Shaheed Minar

Saheed Minar was initially known as Octerloney Monument. The Calcutta Shaheed Minar was erected to commemorate Major-general David Ochterlony. Commander of the British East India Company's main force in the Gurkha War of 1816.It is an important landmark popularly known just as the "Monument". It was renamed in the honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. Its foundation is based on the Egyptian style, whereas the main Shahid Minar in Calcutta and its dome follow Syrian and Turkish designs respectively. An important landmark in Kolkata. It is located at the Northern end of the Maidan. Presently, the political parties convene meetings over here. Various rallies and seminars also take place behind the Sahid Minar Of Kolkata.

Architecture of Shaheed Minar Kolkata
Standing at a height of 48 meters (157 ft), Shaheed Minar was famously called the “Cloud kissing monument” by Mark Twain. It has a foundation that is based on Egyptian styles of architecture, while the fixed column has a Syrian upper portion and a Turkish dome.

The design has a classical fluted column with two balconies on the top. The top floor is accessible by a staircase with a total of 223 steps to the top. The monument was made by the Burn & Company. Most people who visit Shaheed Minar do so because of the historical significance of the place and also to look at the mixed architectural styles of Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish.

History of Shaheed Minar Kolkata
Shaheed Minar was erected in 1828 by the East India Company in memory of Major-general Sir David Ochterlony who was the commander of the British East India Company. The monument was made to commemorate and celebrate the victory of East India Company against the Marathas in Delhi in 1804 and the win against the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War.

The monument was constructed in the memory of Sir David Ochterlony as he was the commander during these wars. He was born on 12th February 1758 and died on 15th July 1825 at the age of 67. He was a Major-general of the Bengal Artillery and was awarded the GCB or Dames Grand Cross award. The monument was designed by J. P. Parker and was funded by public funds.

It was rededicated to the memory of the martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle on 9th August 1969 and renamed as the “Saheed Minar '' which translates to ‘martyrs’ monument’ in both Bengali and Hindi, an apt name for this honorary piece of architecture. The last few visitors at this memoriam are Gopal Krishna Gandhi with his family. After all these years, the government of West Bengal has decided to reopen this venue for the public to visit, decorating it with sparkling illuminations.

Kolkata Tourist Attractions

Kolkata Tourist Attractions, the City of Joy, is one of the oldest and most loved cities in India. Apart from a rich history and culture, there are also a number of amazing places to visit in Kolkata. No matter what type of traveller you are, no matter where you come from, it is hard not to fall in love with Kolkata. It is a city with vibrant and colourful lanes, and you can feel the pulse as you meander through these lanes. Kolkata is not merely a city. It is an emotion that needs to be felt. It is a canvas coloured with every shade. And, if you are here, you can absolutely not miss these 21 amazing places to visit in Kolkata.