Information on Shaheed Minar (Kolkata, West Bengal) - History & Architecture

Shaheed Minar is regarded as one of the oldest memorials of Kolkata in West Bengal. It is also known as 'Ochteriony Monument'. Created in 1848, Shaheed Minar is regarded as an iconic innovation of British era. It was created in order to give honour to the accomplishments of David Ochteriony, the commander-in-chief of British East India Company. The monument represents the victory of David Ochteriony in the Nepal war during the period of 1814 to 1816. Labelled as 'Cloud Kissing' memorial, Shaheed Minar is considered as the pride of Kolkata.

Shaheed Minar Architecture

Shaheed Minar was established according to Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish architectural style. To a certain extent, Shaheed Minar resembles to the popular monument namely Qutub Minar of Delhi. Shaheed Minar is about 158 feet tall and is created from marble stones. The entire construction is made of white colour in order to provide a celestial appearance. The boundary on both sides of the tower is decorated with lines from fabulous poets in iron letters. There are two statues of partisans in Shaheed Minar who sacrificed their lives during dreadful police shooting in the year 1952. The floor of the tower is designed in order to disclose the stirring shades of the pillars. The basement of Shaheed Minar have an area of about 1500 square feet.

Shaheed Minar possesses two balconies at the upper level. The top level of the monument is accessible through distinct stairways. There is about 198 stairs from the ground level which lead to the first balcony of Shaheed Minar. From the first balcony, there is additional 25 stairs which direct to the second balcony of the tower. In the south side of Shaheed Minar, there is a vast arena which is termed as 'Shaheed Minar Maidan'. It inhabits significant amount of area which is popular for organising several political assemblies.

Shaheed Minar History

Shaheed Minar was created in the year 1848 as Ochteriony Monument. It stands as a representation of victory of British against Gurkhas in Nepal war. The designer of Shaheed Minar is J.P. Parkern who imagined the style of this tower with various architectural designs. In the year 1969, Ochteriony Monument was rededicated towards the admiration of Indian freedom fighters who have contributed to the independence drive. Hence, the tower was renamed as Shaheed Minar. Shaheed Minar is also known for organising various political gatherings and to be noted, the first political gathering in Shaheed Minar was prepared by Rabindranath Tagore.

The custom of organising political gatherings in Shaheed Minar was started in the year 1931. In the later phase, West Bengal government has decided to renovate the tower. The renovation activities of the tower begun in the year 2011 in order to restore the glory of the monument. The renovation activities was completed in two phases and various structures have been made in order to make the place highly attractive for people.

Shaheed Minar Tourism Importance

Shaheed Minar has presently become a famous tourist spot in Kolkata. From the top of the tower, travellers can obtain an excellent view of Kolkata. The tower is cursorily illuminated by stunning cascade of perky light from every corners which makes it attracting for travellers. Furthermore, travellers can also enjoy the vast field near the tower. On the other hand, the West Bengal government has also installed stalls and keepsakes in order to promote Shaheed Minar as a popular tourist place.