Kolkata (spelled Calcutta before 1 January 2001) is the capitalcity of the Indianstate of West Bengal. It is the second largest city in India after Mumbai. It is on the eastbank of the RiverHooghly. When it is called Calcutta, it includes the suburbs. This makes it the third largest city of India. This also makes it the world's 8th largest metropolitan area as defined by the United Nations. Kolkata served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911. Kolkata was once the center of industry and education. However, it has witnessed politicalviolence and economic problems since 1954. Since 2000, Kolkata has grown due to economic growth. Like other metropolitan cities in India, Kolkata struggles with poverty, pollution and traffic congestion.