Shaheed Minar /
Ochterlony Monument Kolkata
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Description |
This is a
48-meter high monument, built with a unique
blend of Turkish, Egyptian and Syrian
architecture and is named after Sir David
Ochterlony. In 1969 its name was changed to
'Shaheed Minar'. It was erected in 1828.
There?s a fine view from the top of the
column, but permission to ascend must be
obtained from police headquarters, which is
on Lal Bazaar St.
It was built to commemorate the British East
India Company's victory in the Nepal
Campaign of 1814 - 1816. In 1968, however,
it was renamed Shaheed Minar or Martyrs'
Column in memory of the Indian freedom
fighters. Designed by J.P. Parker, this
column is of mixed architectural style
having a Syrian column, an Egyptian plinth
slightly tapering towards the top, and a
Turkish cupola. It needs 218 steps to climb
to the top of the high tower. Political
parties, trade unions and other groups
frequently use the grounds adjoining the
monument to hold public meetings. The custom
of convening political seminars started in
1931 when a historical convocation took
place here, presided by Rabindranath Tagore.
The humanitarian poet had severely condemned
the vandalism of the imperialist British
Government that had shot a youth dead in the
Calabooze in Hizli. Few years ago, the dome
of the 'Minar' was coloured which kicked off
a storm of protest. |
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Visiting
Hours |
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It?s only open
Monday to Friday and you should simply ask
for a monument pass at the Assistant
Commissioner?s office on the 2nd floor. |
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Travel Tips |
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A little
distance away from the foot of the monument,
there is a terminus for local buses as well
as long-distance One can have a panoramic
view of Calcutta from the top of this Minar.
From there, the much-known Calcutta is
transformed into an enigmatic fantasyland.
But one cannot get at the top of the Minar
at one's will until he has the permission of
the Deputy Commissioner. |
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