Data shows Amit Shah’s claim about Kolkata being a “city of slums” is misleading.

Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, was founded in 1690 as a trading post by the British East India Company and served as the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911. Known as the “City of Joy,” it is a vibrant cultural hub famous for its rich literary, artistic, and intellectual heritage, as well as landmarks like the Victoria Memorial. The city played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement and remains a center for Bengali culture, festivals, and cuisine.

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, India, is a grand marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, constructed between 1906 and 1921 during the British Raj. It was designed by architect William Emerson in an Indo-Saracenic style, blending British and Mughal influences, and now serves as a museum and tourist attraction. The memorial houses a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and manuscripts that chronicle the history of India and British rule.

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and served as the capital of British India until 1911. Founded in 1690 by the British East India Company, it grew into a major colonial port and cultural hub, becoming a center of the Indian independence movement and the Bengal Renaissance. Today, it is renowned for its rich artistic heritage, colonial architecture, and vibrant festivals such as Durga Puja.

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, India, is a majestic marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, built between 1906 and 1921. It was designed by architect William Emerson in a blend of Indo-Saracenic and British architectural styles, and now serves as a museum and tourist attraction. The memorial houses a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and manuscripts from the British colonial period, reflecting India’s history under the British Raj.

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a major cultural and commercial hub in eastern India, founded in 1690 by the British East India Company. It served as the capital of British India until 1911 and was a center for the Indian independence movement, fostering a rich legacy of literature, art, and political thought. Today, the city is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant festivals, and intellectual heritage.

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, India, is a grand marble building constructed between 1906 and

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, was established in 1690 as a trading post by the British East India Company and served as the capital of British India until 1911. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city is famous for landmarks like the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and its vibrant Bengali literature, arts, and festivals. Today, it remains a major cultural and intellectual hub in India, blending colonial history with modern urban life.

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, India, is a grand marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, constructed between 1906 and 1921 during the British Raj. Designed by architect William Emerson in an Indo-Saracenic style, it now serves as a museum and tourist attraction, showcasing the art, history, and culture of British India. The memorial stands in lush gardens and remains a prominent symbol of Kolkata’s colonial heritage.