Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, located approximately 80 km (50 mi) west of the border with Bangladesh.
The city serves as the primary financial and commercial center of eastern India and acts as a gateway to northeastern India. It is considered one of the most populous urban areas in the country, with a metropolitan population exceeding 15 million people. Kolkata is widely regarded as the cultural capital of India and holds significant historical and cultural importance within the region of Bengal.