West Bengal is a state located in the eastern part of India, along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It covers an area of 88,752 square kilometers and had a population of approximately 103 million in 2023. The capital city, Kolkata, is often regarded as the cultural capital of India. The geography of West Bengal is diverse, ranging from the Himalayan mountain range in the north to the vast mangrove forests of the Sundarbans in the south, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, What is West Bengal, What is the capital of West bengal.

The culture of West Bengal is a rich blend of various languages, religions, traditions, and cuisines, making it a cultural melting pot. Major festivals celebrated here include Durga Puja, Eid, and Christmas. The economy primarily relies on agriculture and small to medium-sized industries. West Bengal has produced many notable literary figures and artists, such as Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, and Mother Teresa.

Geographically, the state is divided into two main regions: the Gangetic plains in the south and the sub-Himalayan area in the north. The climate is tropical, characterized by hot summers and cooler winters. Most of West Bengal’s population lives in rural areas, with Kolkata being the largest urban center.

What is the capital of West Bengal

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. It is the largest city in West Bengal and the third-largest metropolitan area in India. The city’s history began in 1690 when the British East India Company established it as a trading post.

From 1772 to 1911, Kolkata served as the capital of British India until it was moved to New Delhi. In 2001, the name was officially changed from Calcutta to Kolkata to reflect its Bengali heritage. Often referred to as “the cultural capital of India,” Kolkata is a significant hub for art, literature, education, and commerce.

The city boasts numerous historical landmarks, including the Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, and Fort William. Kolkata is also famous for its diverse cuisine and vibrant street life. With a population of approximately 4.5 million, it ranks among the most densely populated cities in India. Additionally, Kolkata’s port is the oldest and most important river-based port in India, playing a crucial role in the country‘s economic development, What is the capital of West Bengal.

Which are the neighboring states of West Bengal

West Bengal, located in the eastern part of India, is surrounded by several states. It shares its borders with Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, and Odisha. The cultural, economic, and geographical ties between West Bengal and these states are significant.

1. Jharkhand: To the west, West Bengal has a border of about 480 km with Jharkhand. The tribal culture and industrial resources of Jharkhand are important to West Bengal.
2. Bihar: In the northwest direction, West Bengal shares a border of approximately 100 km with Bihar. Both states have a deep historical connection as they were part of the ancient Magadh region.
3. Sikkim: Located to the north, Sikkim has a short border of only 30 km with West Bengal. This area is known for its Himalayan beauty and Buddhist heritage.
4. Assam: To the east, West Bengal shares around 200 km of border with Assam. There is a continuous cultural exchange between the two states.
5. Odisha: In the southwest direction, West Bengal has a border of about 100 km with Odisha. The coastal economy and shared festivals are significant aspects of their relationship.

How many districts are there in West Bengal, their names

West Bengal has a total of 23 districts, which are as follows:

• Alipurduar
• Bankura
• Birbhum
• Cooch Behar
• Dakshin Dinajpur
• Darjeeling
• Hooghly
• Howrah
• Jalpaiguri
• Jhargram
• Kalimpong
• Kolkata
• Malda
• Murshidabad
• Nadia
• North 24 Parganas
• Paschim Bardhaman
• Paschim Medinipur
• Purba Bardhaman
• Purba Medinipur
• Purulia
• South 24 Parganas
• Uttar Dinajpur

These districts were formed at different times, with some, like Jhargram and Kalimpong, being established recently in 2017. The largest district in West Bengal is South 24 Parganas, while the newest district is Alipurduar, which was created in 2014, How many districts are there in West Bengal, their names.

Who was the first Chief Minister of West Bengal

Prafulla Chandra Ghosh was the first Chief Minister of West Bengal, taking office on August 15, 1947, the day India gained independence. He was a member of the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of the state during his tenure. Under his leadership, West Bengal initiated several developmental projects that became crucial in the state’s political history. His term lasted from 1947 to 1952, after which Bidhan Chandra Roy succeeded him as Chief Minister.

Who is the Chief Minister of West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal, having taken office on May 20, 2011. She is the first woman to hold this position in the state and is recognized as a significant figure in Indian politics. In 1998, she founded the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and became its first president after breaking away from the Indian National Congress. The TMC emerged as a major opposition party against the long-standing Communist government in West Bengal.

Banerjee has served in various ministerial roles within the Indian government, including as Minister of Railways and Minister of Human Resource Development. Under her leadership, the TMC won the 2011 elections, ending a 34-year rule by the Left Front. Known for her dynamic political style, she is affectionately called “Didi,” which means elder sister in Bengali, Who is the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Who is the Governor of West Bengal

C.V. Ananda Bose is currently the Governor of West Bengal. He was born on January 2, 1951, in Kottayam, Kerala. In 1977, he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and has held various important positions, including Secretary of the Government, Chief Secretary, and Vice-Chancellor of a university. Bose was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal on November 23, 2022.

He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and has served as a District Collector and Principal Secretary in various ministries. Additionally, he has been a member of the United Nations Habitat Governing Council and the President of the Habitat Alliance. Bose has made significant contributions in areas such as education, forestry and environment, labor, and general administration. He has also published around 32 books, which include novels, short stories, poetry, and essays, Who is the Governor of West Bengal.

Which is the highest point of West Bengal

Sandakphu is the highest point in West Bengal, located in the Darjeeling district. It stands at an altitude of approximately 3,636 meters (11,929 feet) and is renowned not only for its height but also as a popular trekking destination.

From Sandakphu, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of several major Himalayan mountain ranges, including Kanchenjunga and others, which attract many tourists. The area is rich in diverse flora and fauna, contributing to its unique natural beauty. The climate here is cool and pleasant, especially during the summer months, making it an ideal spot for tourism, What is West Bengal, What is the capital of West bengal.

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