About West Bengal
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| West Bengal Map |
Important tourist centers, among others are Calcutta, Digha ( Midnapore), Bakkhali Sea Resort, Sagar Island and Sundarbans (South 24 Parganas), Bandel, Tarakeswar, Kamarpukar (Hooghly) and Gadiara (Howrah), Shantiniketan and Bakreshwar (Birbhum), Durgapur (Burdwan), Mukutmanipur and Vishnupur(Bankura), Ayodhya hills (Purulia), Murshidabad, Gour and Pandua (Malda), Darjeeling, Mirik, Kalimpong, Sandakfu and Falut and Kurseong ( Darjeeling), Jaldapara and Dooars (Jalpaiguri).
| State Capital | Calcutta |
| Population ('000s in 1991) | 68,078 |
| Area ('000 sq. km) | 89 |
| Females per 1000 males (1991) | 917 |
| Literacy rate (1991) | 57.7 |
| Ratio of urban population (1991) | 27.5 |
| Net Domestic Product (Rs. million at current prices in 1992-93) | 416,040 |
| Per Capita Income (Rs. at current prices in 1992-93) | 5,901 |
| Principal Language | Bengali |
| Districts | 19 Districts |
West Bengal is located in the northeastern part of the country. It is bounded on the north by Bhutan and the state of Sikkim, on the east by Bangladesh, on the northeast by the state of Assam, on the south by the Bay of Bengal, on the southwest by the state of Orissa, on the northwest by Nepal, and on the west by the state of Bihar. The alluvial plain in the south is watered by the legendary River Hooghly and its tributaries - Mayurakshi, Damodar, Kangsabati and the Rupnarayan. The Himalayan north, comprising the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar are watered by the swift flowing rivers Tista, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Ranjit. Variations in altitude result in great variety in the nature and climate of West Bengal. From the northern highlands at the feet of the Himalayas to the tropical forests of Sunderbans, West Bengal is a land of myriad beauty, each region different from the other.
Although in area West Bengal ranks as one of the smaller states of India, it is one of the largest in population. The capital is Calcutta, India's second largest city; other important cities and towns are Howrah, Asansol, Durgapur and Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kharagpur and Haldia.
West Bengal has a single-chamber legislative assembly with 295 seats. The state sends 58 members to the Indian national parliament: 16 to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and 42 to the Lok Sabha (Lower House). Local government is based on 18 administrative districts.
History
Bengal finds a coveted place even in pre-historic times. At the time of Alexander's invasion a powerful kingdom called Gangaridai ruled over Bengal. Ascendancy of the Guptas and the Mauryas had somewhat little effect on Bengal. Later Sasanka became the king of Bengal and is said to have played an important role in the early half of the seventh century. He was succeeded by Gopala who founded the Pala dynasty which ruled for centuries and had created a huge empire. The Palas were followed by the Sena dynasty which was ended by Muslim rulers from Delhi. Bengal was ruled by various Muslim rulers and governors till the Mughal period in sixteenth century.
After the Mughals, history of Modern Bengal began with advent of European and English traders. Battle of Plassey in 1757 changed the course of history when the English first gained a strong foothold in Bengal and India. In 1905 it was partitioned to achieve some political returns but people's growing movement under the auspices of the Congress led to the reunion in 1911. This triggered off hectic movement for freedom which culminated with Independence in 1947, and partition.
After 1947, the merger of native settlement began which ended with its final reorganization in 1956 (as per Recommendation of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956) when some Bengali speaking areas of a neighbouring state was transferred to West Bengal.
Society and Culture
About three quarters of the population lives in the villages. Of the different religions, Hinduism, with its substrata of castes and aboriginal tribes, claims the adherence of more than three-fourths the population, most of the remainder being Muslim. West Bengal contains about 40 recognized communities of tribes--the better known among them being the Santals, Oraons, Munas, Lepchas, and Bhutias--that make up less than one-tenth of the total population. Bengali is the language of most of the people, with Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, and English as minority languages. English, however, is the language of administration and a lingua franca for business purposes.
Bengalis have always fostered literature, art, music, and drama. Bengali literature dates to before the 12th century. The Caitanya movement, an intensely emotional form of Hinduism inspired by the medieval saint Caitanya (1485-1533), shaped the subsequent development of Bengali poetry until the early 19th century, when contact with the West sparked a vigorous creative synthesis. The modern period has produced, among others, the Nobel prize-winning poet Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), whose contribution still dominates the Indian literary scene. Bengal also boasts of three other Nobel prize winners, Mother Teresa, Amartya Sen and Satyajit Ray. Jamini Roy, Uday Shankar, Bimal Mitra and Tarashankar Banerjee all belong to this culturally rich land. The theatre is popular, and both amateur and professional performances are quite sophisticated, traditional open-air performances, are popular in the countryside, along with kavigan an impromptu duel in musical verse between village poets. Traditional music takes the form of devotional and cultural songs. The kathakata a religious recital based on folklore, is another rural entertainment. Films offer yet another type of popular diversion, and Bengali productions have earned national and international awards.
Fish, rice and a plethora of sweets are Bengali specialities. Ace Bengali artisans work wonders with terracota horses, conch shells, clay models, leather, batik and wood work. Bengal handloom sarees with exquisitely woven borders also have a universal appeal.
Durga Puja, coinciding with Dussehra in other parts of the country, rouses the state to a feverish pitch, with its preparations that touch the life of every Bengali. Kali Puja, festival of lights (Diwali), Dol Jatra (Holi), Ganga Sagar Mela at Sagar (January /February), the Muslim festivals of Id and Ramzan, Baisakhi - Bengal's New Year's day, Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, Christmas and New Year are marked by typical abandon and devotion.
Economy and Infrastructure
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| West Bengal Industrial Map |
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the state's income, and nearly three out of four persons in the state are directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. The state accounted for 66.5 percent of the country's jute production including mesta in 1993-94, and 22.2 percent of tea production during the same period. Important crops of the state include potatoes, oilseeds, betelvine, tobacco, wheat, barley and maize. The state also occupies a leading position among principal rice growing states of India, by contributing 15.3 percent of the total production of rice in the country.
The state has a significant mineral output, including dolomite, limestone, and china clay. It has steel plants, an automobile-manufacturing plant, and numerous chemical, machinery-building, and light-engineering industries. Here's a profile of the state's infrastructure:
| Roads | Surfaces - 25984 Km, Un-surfaced - 32016 Km, National Highways - 1631 Km |
| Railways | 3767 Km Eastern & South Eastern Railway Headquarters are in Calcutta. |
| Telecommunications | Basic Telephone - Working Lines - 797800 Waiting list - 150200 Express Demand - 1.4 per 100 population VSNL has its International Gateway and Earthstation in and around Calcutta. Mobile Cellular Services (GSM) is provided by Modi - Telstra and Usha Martin Telecom Malaysia within Greater Calcutta. Mobile Services proposed in the rest of the State by Reliance/Nynex. Public Radio Paging Services provided by four operators E-mail Services available from a host of operators. |
| Airports | Domestic: Bagdogra International: Calcutta |
| Major Ports | Calcutta, Haldia |
Hotels of West Bengal
The State has hotels of star and non star category catering to the needs of the tourists visiting West Bengal. Besides it has resorts, restaurants and cafes which cater to the needs of all segment of travelers.
Located towards the eastern part of India, this is one of the vibrant states in the country. This place is a blend of fascinating culture and rich history with modernization and tech savvy society. Apart from the British people, this region has got the footprints and tradition of many civilizations, which has led to the emergence of varied culture, ethnicity, languages and religion. Starting from the majestic Himalayas to the vast Bay of Bengal, the state has got diverse physical features.
Located towards the eastern part of India, this is one of the vibrant states in the country. This place is a blend of fascinating culture and rich history with modernization and tech savvy society. Apart from the British people, this region has got the footprints and tradition of many civilizations, which has led to the emergence of varied culture, ethnicity, languages and religion. Starting from the majestic Himalayas to the vast Bay of Bengal, the state has got diverse physical features.
Demographics of West Bengal
The state is the 4th most populous state of the country and the 7th most populous state in the world. Let us have a quick look at some of the demographic details of this east Indian state:
- Total population: 91, 347, 736 (According to Census 2011)
- Male population: 46, 927, 389
- Female population: 44, 420, 347
- Density of population: 1, 029.2 per sq. km. (2, 665.7 per sq. mi.)
- Decennial population growth: 11, 171, 539
- Decennial growth rate: 13.93 %
- Sex ratio: 946.57 females per 1, 000 males
- Total population (In the age group of 0 year to 6 years): 10, 112, 599 (11.07 %)
- Male population (In the age group of 0 year to 6 years): 5, 187, 264 (11.05 %)
- Female population (In the age group of 0 year to 6 years): 4, 925, 335 (11.09 %)
- Total literacy: 62, 614, 556 (77.1 %)
- Male literacy: 34, 508, 159 (82.67 %)
- Female literacy: 28, 106, 397 (71.16 %)
- Official languages: Bengali and English
- Main religion: Hindu (Around 72.5 %), Muslim (About 25.2 %) and others (2.3 % approximately)
Tourist Spots in West Bengal
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| West Bengal Travel Map |
Bankura
This district is said to be decorated by nature's own hands. The brown hills and gleaming rivers makes the place a famous tourist destination. The age old temples are the specialty of the place. Names of some of the famous places of visit in this district are given below:
- Biharinath Hill
- Jhilimili
- Kalachand Temple
- Rasmanch
- Shyam Roy Mandir
- Madanmohan Mandir
- Chhinnamasta Mandir
- Malleshwar Temple
- Susunia Hill
Darjeeling
Known for its tea gardens, this district of the state is a place of natural beauty. Crowned by the great Himalayas, this is among the world's magnificent hill stations and is called the "Queen of Hill Stations". Apart from trekking, one can even enjoy the toy train meandering through the lush green hills.
Kolkata
Being the capital city of the state, this place has got many tourist attractions. Following are some of the tourist attractions located in the "City of Lights":
- Dakshineshwar Kali Temple
- Hoogly Bridge
- Indian Museum
- Nakhoda Mosque
- Nehru Children's Museum
- Nicco Park
- Princep Ghat
- Science City
- Victoria Memorial Hall
- Zoological Garden
Jalpaiguri
This narrow land lying in between Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas as well as the Gangetic plains of Bengal is a land of nature and forests. This place is known for being the location of a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Following are some of the famous tourist spots in the district of Jalpaiguri:
- Buxa National Park
- Chapramari Wild Life Sanctuary
- Dooars
- Gorumara National Park
- Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mahananda Sanctuary
Murshidabad
This is a place of historical importance. This area used to govern all the proceedings of the eastern India during the 18th Century. To name a few of the places to see there are:
- Hazarduari Palace
- Nizamat Imambara
- Katra Mosque
Other tourist attractions
To name a few other places those are worth visiting in this state are:
- Ayodhya Hill
- Bandel Church
- Cooch Behar Palace
- Curzon Gate
- Digha Beach
- Gandhi Ghat
- Indian Botanical Garden
- I. S. K. C. O. N. (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple at Mayapur
- Kantanagar Temple
- Raiganj Bird Sanctuary
- Santiniketan
- Sunderbans National Park
How to Reach West Bengal
This state, being one of the major states of India, can be reached from both national and international destinations by the following modes of transport:
By Rail: The city of Kolkata is the head quarter of the eastern as well as the south eastern divisions of the Indian Railways. Howrah Railway Station, Sealdah Railway Station and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station are some of the major railway stations in the state, which connects the place to the other parts of the country. Following are some of the trains serving this state of India:
- Coromandel Express
- Duronto Express
- Gitanjali Express
- Howrah Mail
- Kolkata Rajdhani Express
- Sealdah Duronto Express
- Sealdah Rajdhani Express
By Road: The state of West Bengal has got an extensive network of State Highways as well as National Highways that link the place to the neighboring and distant states of India. The highways passing through the state are:
State Highways: S. H. - 1 to S. H. - 12, S. H. - 10 A and S. H. - 12 A National Highways: N. H. - 2, N. H. - 6, N. H. - 31 A, N. H. - 31 C, N. H. - 31 D, N. H. - 32, N. H. - 35, N. H. - 41, N. H. - 55, N. H. - 60, N. H. - 80 and N. H. - 81
Regular luxury and normal bus services are available from some of the major areas of the state. Those buses are run by the following:
- C. S. T. C. (Calcutta State Transport Corporation)
- N. B. S. T. C. (North Bengal State Transport Corporation)
- S. B. S. T. C. (South Bengal State Transport Corporation)
Last Updated on 01 February 2012
