The historical context of Jalpaiguri, located in the northern sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal (the Duars), is a complex narrative of ancient tribal kingdoms, intense colonial military campaigns, and a massive economic transformation driven by the tea industry.
​The name itself reflects the region's natural history: "Jalpai" means olive, and "Guri" means place, a nod to the wild olive trees that historically grew in abundance across the district.