Question

Why did the British attach so much significance to Calcutta

Answer 1

It was one of india major ports back then, ships were major means of transport therefore one who controls the port significantly controls the good and resource trades across the country.

Answer 2

Calcutta was the center of it all, the capital of British India from 1772 to 1931. It was the seat of the Governor General of India, a person whose decisions controlled the lives of more people than any other leader of his time. Calcutta was the pre-eminent city outside of Europe controlling a vast amount of territory in West Asia, South Asia and South East Asia.