In this extremely poor city of 10 million people, 60 different languages are spoken, and the Hooghly river flows. Which city is it?

This bustling metropolis on the banks of the Hooghly River is Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India. Known as Calcutta until its official name change in 2001, the city fits all the clues provided. The Hooghly, a major distributary of the sacred Ganges River, is the city's lifeline and its most defining geographical feature. Its sprawling metropolitan area is one of the most populous in the world, easily exceeding 10 million residents and creating an environment of incredible density and energy.

Once the capital of British India, Kolkata was a magnet for trade, administration, and opportunity, which explains its remarkable linguistic diversity. This history established it as a true melting pot, drawing people and languages from across the subcontinent and beyond. While the city has long grappled with extreme poverty, a perception cemented in the global consciousness by the work of Mother Teresa, it is also celebrated for its incredible intellectual and artistic vibrancy. Often called the "Cultural Capital of India," it is a city of profound contrasts, where colonial-era architecture stands alongside teeming markets and a thriving arts scene, giving it a unique and unforgettable character.