West Bengal
More actions
West Bengal (Bengali: পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, Pôshchimbôṅgô) is a state in the eastern region of India. It shares borders with Bangladesh to the east, Nepal and Bhutan to the north, and the Indian states of Sikkim, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. West Bengal has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Its capital and largest city is Kolkata, also known as the "Cultural Capital of India."[1]
History
West Bengal was formed on 26 January 1950, following the partition of Bengal in 1947.[2] It has a rich cultural and historical legacy, being home to major events such as the Indian Independence Movement, the Bengal Renaissance, and the Partition of Bengal.[3]
Geography
West Bengal spans 88,752 square kilometers, stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. It is known for diverse landscapes, including the Darjeeling hills, the Sundarbans mangroves, and fertile Gangetic plains.[4]
Demographics
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India, with over 99 million people.[5] Bengali is the predominant language, spoken by the majority of the population, while Hindi, Nepali, and English are also widely used.[6]
Economy
West Bengal has a diverse economy based on agriculture, industry, and services. Major industries include jute production, tea plantations in Darjeeling, and information technology in Kolkata.[7] The state is one of India's largest rice producers and a hub for trade and commerce.[8]
Culture
West Bengal has a rich cultural heritage, blending traditional and modern influences. Key elements of its culture include:
- Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate in literature and cultural icon.
- Festivals such as Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year).[9]
- Renowned art forms, including Bengali cinema, classical music, and folk dance like Baul songs.[10]
Tourism
West Bengal is a popular tourist destination offering a variety of attractions:
- Darjeeling – Known for its tea estates and scenic views.
- Sundarbans – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world.[11]
- Kolkata – Famous for historical landmarks like Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.[12]
Government
The state is governed by a parliamentary system. The Chief Minister of West Bengal is the executive head, while the Governor of West Bengal represents the President of India.[13]
See also
References
- ↑ West Bengal Overview Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Partition of Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Bengal Renaissance Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Geography of West Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Population of West Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Languages of West Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Economy of West Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Agriculture in West Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Cultural Heritage of Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Arts and Culture of Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Sundarbans Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Tourism in Kolkata Accessed: December 15, 2024.
- ↑ Government of West Bengal Accessed: December 15, 2024.