Hooghly

The Hooghly is a western distributary of the Ganges River flowing through the Indian state of West Bengal. It forms a major waterway connecting the interior of the Ganges delta with the Bay of Bengal and has played a significant role in the historical development of Kolkata and surrounding settlements.

The Hooghly River, also spelled Hugli, is a distributary channel of the Ganges system that flows southward across West Bengal before reaching the Bay of Bengal. It originates from the Bhagirathi branch and forms one of the main navigable waterways of the region. Since medieval times, settlements have developed along its banks due to its strategic position for river and maritime trade. European trading powers established several colonial settlements in the area, contributing to the expansion of navigation and commerce. Kolkata developed on the eastern bank of the river and became a major port during the period of British rule in India. The river also holds cultural and religious significance, as numerous Hindu rituals take place along its ghats. Today the Hooghly remains a central geographical feature shaping the urban and economic landscape of West Bengal.