Shaheed Minar

Kaustav Dutta 14 months ago

In the memory of Sir David Ochterlony, the Shaheed Minar, roughly translating to the Martyrs’ Monument was constructed. It was earlier known as the Ochterlony Monument. The Saheed Minar is located in the Esplanade area of Kolkata, India in the northernmost end of Maidan next to the Brigade Grounds. 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.

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 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. Recently the authorities have become a little lenient with the permission to go to the top of the tower, thus now would be a good time to plan on walking up those winding stairs up to the balcony as you breathe in the history of the place.

Supriyo Pramanik 13 months ago

Shaheed Minar is a prominent monument located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The monument was originally built in 1828 in memory of Sir David Ochterlony, a British East India Company army officer. However, it was later renamed as Shaheed Minar in 1969 in honor of the Indian freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence.

The monument is located in the heart of Kolkata and is a popular landmark in the city. It is a 48-meter tall tower that has a spiral staircase leading to the top from where one can have a panoramic view of the city. The monument is surrounded by a beautiful garden and is illuminated at night, making it a popular spot for visitors.

The Shaheed Minar is also an important site for political and social gatherings and has been witness to many historic events and speeches over the years. It is considered to be an iconic symbol of Kolkata's cultural and historical heritage and is a must-visit for anyone visiting the city.

Bholanath Sasmal 21 months ago

It's a open places at dharmatala. This minar is made for shaid of country. There have some siting place for time pass . There have few hokars here and there.
Pay and use toilet available in this area . This area is little Dirty and bad small.
There streat food is not proper higenic so please avoid streat food.
Drinking water is available.