Discover Hooghly: A Tapestry of European History and Modern Industry

Hooghly district, located in the Burdwan Division of West Bengal, is named after the Hooghly River which forms its eastern boundary. This district is a remarkable blend of rich historical heritage, particularly from the European colonial era, and a vibrant modern industrial and agricultural landscape. The district headquarters is located in Chinsurah.

A Glimpse into Hooghly’s Storied Past: The name “Hooghly” is possibly derived from “Hogla,” a type of tall reed abundant along the riverbanks. Its history stretches back to ancient times, with the region likely included in the territories of the Suhmas, mentioned in the Mahabharata. It was part of powerful empires like the Mauryan and Gupta, and later ruled by various indigenous dynasties until the 13th century.

However, Hooghly truly gained international prominence with the arrival of European traders:

• Portuguese Settlement (16th Century): Hooghly town became the first European settlement in Bengal, established by Portuguese traders in 1537. It quickly developed into a major commercial center and the largest port in Bengal, where they built a convent and church (now the famous Bandel Church). Their activities, including slave trading, eventually led to their expulsion by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632.
• Dutch, French, Danish, and British Influence (17th-19th Centuries): Following the Portuguese, other European powers established their trading posts and settlements along the Hooghly River.
  
  • Chinsurah: Became the base for Dutch traders, who built a factory there in 1656.
  • Chandannagar (Chandernagore): A significant French colony from 1696 until its merger with India in 1950. It retained its distinct French cultural flavor.
  • Serampore: Was a Danish settlement from 1755.
  • British Shift: Initially, the British were also based around Hooghly town. However, Job Charnock decided to shift their trading center to Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1690, due to its strategic safety and proximity to the Bay of Bengal, leading to Hooghly town’s decline in commercial importance.
• Formation of Hooghly District: The district of Hooghly was formally constituted in 1795 by the British, with Hooghly town as its initial headquarters, later shifted to Chinsurah. Various boundary changes occurred over time, including the creation of Howrah district from its southern portion in 1843.

Economy: Industry and Agriculture Flourish: Hooghly is one of West Bengal’s most economically developed districts, balancing its agrarian roots with a robust industrial sector.

• Agriculture: Benefiting from fertile alluvial soil, Hooghly is a major producer of rice, jute, sugarcane, and potatoes. It is a main hub for jute cultivation and trade.
• Industry: The district boasts a significant industrial belt along the Hooghly River.
  
  • Jute Mills: Numerous jute mills are located in towns like Tribeni, Bhadreswar, Champdani, and Serampore.
  • Automotive: Historically, it was home to the Hindustan Motors plant in Uttarpara, one of India’s largest car manufacturing plants, though it has since closed.
  • Other Industries: It hosts a variety of engineering, chemical, rubber goods, and textile industries, particularly in areas like Dankuni and other parts of the Hooghly industrial zone. New multinational companies are also showing interest in setting up units here.
• Connectivity: The district is well-connected by road (including National Highways), railways (with major junctions like Bandel, Dankuni, and Seoraphuli), and waterways, facilitating trade and movement.