The tea bushes grow on the lower slopes of the Himalayas

West Bengal also lies in the eastern part of India. It is one of the smaller states of India. It has a long border with Bangladesh in the east. The southern part of the state is broad, low plain. Across this plain flows the wide Ghana. As it nears the sea the river breaks up into smaller rivers and streams. One of these is the important river Hugli. Between these smaller rivers there are flat islands. In the North of the state are the Himalayas. Not far from Darjeeling is the famous peak Kanchenjunga in Sikkim.

The southern and northern parts of west Bengal have very different climate. In the south the some of the interior districts are extremely cold. Woolen clothes are needed. Heavy rain falls from June to September. The north the climate is more pleasant because of the mountains close by.

It is possible for the farmers of west Bengal to grow many kinds of crops. This is because the northern and southern parts of the state have different climates. In the south rice and jute are the most important crops. Both these crops need much heat and lots of water. The rice fields are ploughed and flooded. The tiny rice plants are sown in the flooded fields. The crop ripens in about four months.

Because of the warm climate, two and sometimes three crops can be grown in one year. In winter there is not enough rain, so water for flooding the fields is obtained from canals and wells.

Jute grows best on the flat islands of the Ganga. This plant too needs a little flooding. It grows to a height of about three meters. When the plants are cut down, the leaves are removed. The stems are tied in bundles and soaked in ponds to help remove the jute fiber. This is called retting. After this, it is taken to the mills near Kolkata. There it is made into gunny-cloth and bags, ropes and matting.

In the cooler north, tea and tobacco are grown. The tea bushes grow on the lower slopes of the Himalayas. Some of Indias finest tea comes from the gardens near Darjeeling.

West Bengal also has many mills and factories. Most of these are near Kolkata and around Asansol and Durgapur. There are jute and cotton mills and factories for making chemicals, papers, rubber tyres and tubes. There is a big iron and steel mill at Durgapur. From this iron and steel, railway engines, trucks, cars and machinery are built. At Chittaranjan, railway engines are made. Haldia is a large oil refining and chemical centre.

The capital of west Bengal is Kolkata. It is the second largest city in India. It stands on the river Hugli. It is a busy port.

Darjeeling is a busy hill s-station. People from all parts of the country visit it in summer to enjoy the cool weather and its beautiful scenery.

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