ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how Calcutta began its journey as a garrison town in the eighteenth century to superseded other towns in the hinterland to become the seat of power. It also takes a closer look at the development of the other smaller towns that were overshadowed by the rise of Calcutta: Dakha and Murshidabad. It touches upon the number of factors that influenced and boosted its growth. Notably, this chapter highlights how while Calcutta defined its position in terms of an individuality, other cities of Bengal remained steeped in subservience unaware of their own potentialities to shape their own destinies.
