Calcutta, Suriname

Calcutta is a resort in Suriname, located in the Saramacca District. Its population at the 2012 census was 1,647, and is mainly inhabited by East Indians.[1] The town is named after Calcutta, India. From 1873 onwards, indentured workers were recruited from India to work the plantations. Most of the workers departed from Calcutta. About one third returned to India, but most decided to stay in Suriname.[2]

Calcutta, Suriname
Resort
Pilgrimage Chapel in Batavia
Map showing the resorts of Saramacca District.
  Calcutta
Country Suriname
DistrictSaramacca District
Area
 • Total1,655 km2 (639 sq mi)
Elevation
4 m (13 ft)
Population
 (2012)[1]
 • Total1,647
 • Density1.00/km2 (2.6/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-3 (AST)

Calcutta is the place where oil was discovered in 1965 which marked the beginning of Staatsolie, the national oil and gold company.[3] Calcutta is a major centre of rice cultivation.[4]

The village of Boskamp is located in the resort. The former leprosy colony of Batavia is located in the resort.[5]

References
  1. "Resorts in Suriname Census 2012" (PDF). Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  2. "Hindostaanse contractarbeiders 1873 – 1920". Lalla Rookh (in Dutch). Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  3. "Staatsolie - Geschiedenis". Staatsolie (in Dutch). Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  4. "STRUCTUUR ANALYSE DISTRICTEN 2009-2013" (PDF). Planning Office Suriname (in Dutch). Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  5. "Batavia Suriname". Batavia Suriname. Retrieved 22 May 2020.

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