Explanation: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, has a rich and complex history that includes a significant name change. The city was originally known as Calcutta, a name that was used for centuries. The name "Calcutta" was derived from the Bengali word "Kolkata," which was the original name of the city. The British colonial administration adopted the name "Calcutta" in the 17th century, and it remained the official name until the early 21st century.
In 2001, the government of West Bengal officially changed the name of the city from Calcutta to Kolkata. This change was made to reflect the Bengali pronunciation more accurately and to emphasize the city's cultural and linguistic identity. The name "Kolkata" is closer to the original Bengali pronunciation and is more representative of the local culture and heritage.
It is important to understand the historical context of this name change. The city of Kolkata has been a significant center of culture, education, and politics in India. The name change from Calcutta to Kolkata is a reflection of the city's evolution and its efforts to reclaim its cultural identity. This change also highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting local languages and traditions.
The confusion often arises because of the similarity in the names "Calcutta" and "Calicut." However, these are two distinct cities located in different states of India. Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a city in the state of Kerala, while Calcutta (now Kolkata) is in West Bengal. The name change from Calcutta to Kolkata is specific to the city in West Bengal and does not affect the name of Calicut in Kerala.
In summary, the correct answer is that Kolkata was formerly known as Calcutta. This name change is a significant part of the city's history and reflects its cultural and linguistic identity. Understanding this change is crucial for anyone studying the geography and history of West Bengal.