Project of IISHJ

Calcutta: The British and the Bengalis

Video: The home of Mother Teresa, Calcutta retains the image of a city of overwhelming poverty. But Calcutta is much more than that. Founded by the British as a trading post, it grew to become the capital of British India. The mixture of English, Hindu and Bengali, culture is the special charm of Calcutta. Along its shabby and overcrowded streets millions of Indians strive to survive in a harsh environment which stands in contrast to the faded monuments to the glory of British Imperialism. The tension between the past and the present defines the charm and trauma of Calcutta.

Date: 03/26/1998

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