WEST BENGAL : STATIC STATE GK
STATE MAP
- Formation: West Bengal was established on January 26, 1950.
- Capital: Kolkata
- Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee ( 2024 )
- Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose ( 2024 )
- Area: West Bengal covers an area of approximately 88,752 square kilometers.
- Population: It is one of the most populous states in India, with over 90 million people.
- Density: Around 1,028 persons per square kilometer.
- Official Language: Bengali
- State Animal: Fishing Cat
- State Bird: White-throated Kingfisher
- State Flower: Night-flowering Jasmine (Shiuli)
- State Tree: Chatim (Devil’s Tree)
- Geographical Diversity: West Bengal has diverse landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains, plains, and coastal regions.
- Kolkata: Formerly known as Calcutta, it is the cultural and commercial capital of the state.
- Howrah Bridge: A famous cantilever bridge connecting Kolkata with Howrah, an iconic symbol of the city.
- Victoria Memorial: A historical monument in Kolkata, built in memory of Queen Victoria.
- Sundarbans: The largest mangrove forest in the world, home to the Bengal tiger and diverse flora and fauna.
- Darjeeling: A renowned hill station in the Himalayas, known for its tea gardens and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
- Durga Puja: The state celebrates this major Hindu festival with grandeur and enthusiasm.
- Rabindranath Tagore: The Nobel laureate poet and philosopher hailed from West Bengal, and his works have left an indelible mark on literature.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A freedom fighter and nationalist leader, born in Cuttack, Odisha, but associated with Kolkata.
- Hooghly River: A major distributary of the Ganges, flowing through the state and contributing to its agricultural fertility.
- Bengali Cuisine: Known for its delicious and diverse food, including sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh.
- Jaldapara National Park: A wildlife sanctuary known for the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
- Shantiniketan: Home to Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, and known for its cultural heritage.
- Birbhum District: Known for its vibrant folk culture, including the famous Baul music.
- Murshidabad: A historical town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, known for its historical monuments.
- Siliguri: A gateway to the northeastern states, serving as a major transportation hub.
- Kalimpong: A hill station with panoramic views of the Himalayas and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
- Malda: Famous for the archaeological site of Gour, known for its historical ruins.
- Nabadwip: An important pilgrimage site on the banks of the Ganges, associated with the saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Bankura: Known for its terracotta temples and traditional art and craft.
- Barrackpore: A historical town associated with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, also known for the Barrackpore Cantonment.
- Bishnupur: Famous for its terracotta temples built by the Malla kings.
- Kalighat Kali Temple: A significant Hindu temple in Kolkata dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Science City, Kolkata: An interactive science museum and exhibition center.
- Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar): A planned satellite township of Kolkata, known for its IT sector.
- Cooch Behar: A princely state with a rich cultural heritage, now a district in West Bengal.
- Diamond Harbour: A port town on the banks of the Hooghly River, near the Bay of Bengal.
- Bardhaman: An important industrial and educational center in the state.
- Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata: A premier institute for statistical research and education.
- Belur Math: The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, located on the west bank of the Hooghly River.
- Kalyani: An educational and industrial hub, home to Kalyani University.
- Birla Planetarium, Kolkata: A popular destination for astronomy enthusiasts and students.
- Kolkata Book Fair: An annual literary event attracting book lovers and authors from across the country.
- Vivekananda Setu: A bridge over the Hooghly River connecting Dakshineswar and Belur Math.
- Mother House, Kolkata: The headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa.
- Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM): A science museum in Kolkata.
- Ropeway at Palta, Hooghly: An aerial ropeway providing scenic views of the Hooghly River.
- Satyajit Ray: The legendary filmmaker and Oscar-winning director was from West Bengal, known for classics like “Pather Panchali.”
- Digha: A popular seaside resort town known for its beaches and proximity to the Bay of Bengal.
- Chandernagore: A former French colony with colonial-era architecture and cultural influences.
- Bamboo and Cane Craft: West Bengal is known for its traditional bamboo and cane craft, producing intricate handicrafts.
- Kumartuli: An area in Kolkata known for its traditional potters’ quarter, where artisans create clay idols, especially during Durga Puja.
- Jhargram: Known for its scenic beauty and tribal culture, offering a getaway from urban life.
- Kalna: Famous for its historical temples and the 108 Shiva temples complex, known as the Kalna Chhatim.
- Serampore: A town with a rich colonial history, known for its architecture and cultural heritage.
- Nadia District: Renowned for its contribution to the education sector and being the birthplace of several literary figures.
- Bhutia Busty Monastery: A Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, offering spiritual solace and picturesque views.
- Singur: Gained national attention due to the land acquisition controversy related to the Tata Nano plant.
- Bengal School of Art: A renowned art movement in the early 20th century, emphasizing Indian traditions and folklore.
- Bengali New Year (Poila Baisakh): Celebrated in mid-April, marking the beginning of the Bengali calendar year.
- Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Darjeeling Himalayan foothills, known for diverse flora and fauna.
- Purulia Chhau Dance: A traditional tribal dance form recognized for its vibrant costumes and energetic performances.
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay: Renowned for composing India’s national song, “Vande Mataram.”
- Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House: Situated in Kolkata, it is the ancestral home of the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda.
- East India Film Company: The first film production company in Bengal, established in the early 20th century.
- Bardhaman Junction: One of the busiest railway junctions in the state, connecting various destinations.
- Rashbehari Avenue: A prominent street in Kolkata known for its cultural and commercial significance.
- The Asiatic Society, Kolkata: Founded by Sir William Jones, dedicated to the promotion of historical and scientific studies.
- Jorasanko Thakur Bari: The ancestral home of the Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, now a museum.
- Bankura Horse: The terracotta horse from Bankura is a popular traditional craft and a symbol of Bengali folk art.
- Lingaraj Temple, Bishnupur: A terracotta temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.
- Krishnanagar: Known for its historical buildings, including the Rajbari and the Clay and Doll Museum.
- Bengal Silk Industry: Murshidabad and other regions are known for producing exquisite silk, including Baluchari and Tussar silk.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): A popular franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) representing Kolkata.
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River.
- Balurghat: Known for its historical significance and the Atreyee River.
- Folk Music and Dance: West Bengal has a rich tradition of folk music and dance forms like Baul, Bihu, and Dhunuchi.
- Chinsurah: A former Dutch settlement, known for its colonial architecture and historical relics.
- Jhalmuri: A popular street food in Kolkata, consisting of puffed rice mixed with various spices and ingredients.
- Haldia Port: A major seaport in West Bengal, contributing to the state’s economic activities.
- Santiniketan Poush Mela: An annual fair held in Santiniketan, celebrating the harvest season with cultural programs and crafts.
- Kolkata Metro: The first underground rapid transit system in India, providing connectivity in the city.
- Bengali Sweets: Famous for its delectable sweets like Rasgulla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi.
- Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF): An annual film festival attracting filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world.
- Sagar Island: A religious and pilgrimage destination, especially during the Ganga Sagar Mela.
- Birpara: A town known for its tea gardens and the Chilapata Forest.
- Bengaluru-Kolkata Pradyumna Ballav Inter City Express: A train connecting Bengaluru and Kolkata.
- Science and Art Museum, Darjeeling: Showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
- Raghunathpur: An industrial town known for its thermal power plant and economic activities.
- Kolkata Film Festival: An annual film festival celebrating global cinema and filmmakers.
- Bardhaman University: Also known as the University of Burdwan, a significant educational institution.
- Bengali Literature: West Bengal has produced literary giants like Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
- Jhargram Raj Palace: A historical palace reflecting the royal heritage of the region.
- Mandarmani Beach: A popular beach destination known for its pristine coastline and water sports.
- Chandrakona: Known for its historical temples and the Chandrakona Rajbari.
- Silk River Project: A collaborative initiative celebrating the silk heritage of West Bengal and the UK.
- Bengaluru-Howrah Mail: One of the oldest and most important train services connecting Bengaluru and Howrah.