West Bengal has always played a prominent role in the field of art and culture, giving birth to a large number of modern movements in literature, painting, sculpture, theatre and cinema as well as in politics, science and industry.

Kolkata is appropriately regarded as the cultural capital of India for the immense contribution and leadership of the state in the fields of literature, art, theatre and films in particular. The multifaceted art and culture of West Bengal find manifestation in various forms. Most worth mention are : -

Songs of Bengal including Bhatiali, Bhauaiah, Baul, devotional Ramprasadi songs, Padabali Kirtan, Bhajan, Toppa, Baithaki, Adhunik, Rabindra Sangeet, songs ofAtulprasad and Dwijendralal, Najrul Geeti and the dhrupadi style of music

Group Theatre, Art Film, Dance-drama of Rabindranath Tagore.

Dance of different styles and art including the masked Chhau, Rava, Mech and Santali dances most of which are performed by tribals and ethnic groups, Jatra (traditional theatrical performance), Gombhira (satirical theatrical performance), Tarja and Kabigan (poetic contest presented in the form of song).

Poetry, novels, short stories and essays published in innumerable periodicals and little magazines all over the state. Book Fairs are among the most passionate cultural events not only in Kolkata but at numerous places in the state.

Painting and sculpture, exhibitions on which are regularly held in several Halls and Art galleries.

Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore's Santiniketan is famous all over the world as a seat of learning, art and culture based on Indian tradition and Tagore's philosophy.

West Bengal boasts of a rich heritage of art & craft including

Handicrafts made from brass, bell metal, conchshell, shola (pith), bamboo, jute, cane, cotton and grass.

Terracotta figurines and horses of Bankura made of burnt clay or wood Dhokra figurines of Bankura-Birbhum-Puruliya

Painted clay plaques of Kalighat Clay models ofKrishnanagar Leather bags of Sriniketan Wood carvings and semi- precious stone jewellery - Masks of Puruliya and Darjiling Handloom Sarees, Specially Jammdani Sarees of dhatrigram, Kalna, Samudragarh, Santipur - Phulia and Baluchari sarees of Vishnupur Kantha Stitch handiwork Bewitching range of gold, silver and diamond jewellery.