Kolkata (Calcutta) is the capital city of West Bengal state. It is the largest metropolis in India - is a vibrant 'city of joy', stretched along the eastern bank of the Hoogly River (a branch of the Ganges). It is a great 'City of Joy' as the charm of this greatest colonial city never dies out and that is what makes it the most loved city of India. It ranks among the four major metropolis of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Kolkata has been the capital city of India, in the times of British Raj for quite long period. Kolkata is also referred as the intellectual capital of the country. The stern old buildings in the midst of new and more colourful ones, tell you the story of the generations gone by and more to come. A hub of activity in the fields of arts, music, theatre and sports, the city prides itself on the many luminaries it has sent forth.