Travel Guide Hoogly-Chinsura

population 177,210. 35 km north of Kolkata. This city, also known as Hugli-Chuchura, was founded by the Portuguese in 1579 and occupied by the Dutch from 1656. Prior to this, the region was part of the Kingdom of Burshut (or Bushitetra) from the 15th to 18th centuries. Under European influence, the town became an important trading port, shipping opium, spices, cotton and textiles to the Old Continent. In 1825, the Dutch were forced to cede the city to the British. Two churches remain. The most interesting building is the Hooghly Imambara, an impressive mosque dating from the late 19th century.