Calcutta was established in
1690
Understanding the Establishment of Calcutta
The question asks about the year Calcutta was established. This refers to the historical event when the English East India Company formally established a trading post in the area that would later grow into the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata).
The Role of Job Charnock
Historical accounts credit Job Charnock, an agent of the English East India Company, with playing a key role in establishing the company's presence in this region. He is often associated with the foundation of Calcutta.
Establishing the Trading Post in 1690
The area that became Calcutta was formed by the merging of three villages: Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata. The English East India Company, under Job Charnock, selected Sutanuti as a site for a trading post. The year commonly accepted as the establishment date for Calcutta, marking this significant step in the development of a major urban center and later capital, is 1690.
Comparing Establishment Dates
Let's look at the options provided and see which one aligns with the historical records regarding the establishment of Calcutta:
- 1690: This year is historically recognized as the year Job Charnock established a trading post at Sutanuti, which is considered the foundation of Calcutta.
- 1639: This year is associated with the establishment of Fort St. George in Madras (Chennai), not Calcutta.
- 1693: While close to 1690, historical consensus points to the earlier date for the initial establishment.
- 1689: This year is also close but not the specific year widely accepted for the establishment event involving Job Charnock at Sutanuti.
Based on historical information, the establishment of Calcutta is attributed to the events of 1690.
| Event Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Person | Job Charnock |
| Year of Establishment | 1690 |
| Initial Location | Trading post at Sutanuti |
| Merged Villages | Sutanuti, Gobindapur, Kalikata |
Calcutta History Revision Table
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1690 | Establishment of English trading post at Sutanuti (considered foundation of Calcutta) |
| 1698 | English acquire zamindari rights of Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata |
| 1699 | Fort William construction begins |
| 1772 | Calcutta becomes the capital of British India |
| 1911 | Capital of British India shifts from Calcutta to Delhi |
| 2001 | City officially renamed Kolkata |
Additional Information on Calcutta's Establishment and Growth
The establishment of the trading post in 1690 was a pivotal moment. It marked the beginning of significant British presence and influence in Bengal. Over the subsequent decades, the trading post grew, Fort William was built for defense, and the three villages eventually merged to form the city of Calcutta. Its strategic location on the Hooghly River contributed to its rapid growth as a major port and commercial center under the East India Company and later the British Raj.
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