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| Shaheed minar, Kolkataen.wikipedia.org image A.Dutta |
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| Shaheed minar, Kolkata sohamchandra.blogspot.com/ |
The Shaheed Minar, often simply called "The Monument" by locals, stands as one of Kolkata's oldest and most recognizable icons, located near the Esplanade on the northeastern edge of the vast Maidan. Approaching two centuries of existence, this towering pillar has witnessed the city's transformation from a colonial capital to the vibrant cultural and political hub it is today. While now dedicated to India's freedom fighters, its history is deeply rooted in the triumphs of the British East India Company.
The Ochterlony Monument: A Colonial Beginning
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| Shaheed minar, Kolkata sohamchandra.blogspot.com |
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| old image of Shaheed minar,en.wikipedia.org |
The structure was originally known as the Ochterlony Monument, erected in 1828 to honor Major General Sir David Ochterlony, a distinguished Commander of the British East India Company. The memorial commemorated his dual victories: the successful defense of Delhi against the Marathas led by Yashwantrao Holkar in 1804, and his command during the decisive Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814–16, which culminated in the Treaty of Sugauli. The monument was funded by public subscription, raising approximately 35,000 rupees, and constructed by Burn & Company, with J. B. Parker serving as the architect and Charles Knowles Robison as a consultant.
Ochterlony himself was a fascinating and complex figure. Born in colonial America, he arrived in India as a cadet in 1777 and rose to become the official British Resident at Delhi. He was noted for his deep embrace of Persian Mughal culture and lifestyle, which perhaps influenced the monument’s design. His legacy in India includes the formation of the Nasiri regiment in 1815, which marked the beginning of Gurkha soldiers becoming the "backbone of the Indian Army." Furthermore, the Treaty of Sugauli resulted in the cession of territories—including present-day Darjeeling, Kumaon, and Garhwal—which ultimately became part of independent India.
Architectural Fusion: Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish Styles
Standing approximately 157 feet (48 meters) high, the monument is an extraordinary architectural marvel that blends three distinct non-European styles. Its design complexity earned it the famed description by Mark Twain as the "cloud-kissing monument." The Foundation/Base: Built on the unstable alluvial soil of Bengal, the base is an artificial one, designed in the solid style of Egyptian architecture. Its construction was an engineering feat, involving the driving of 82 twenty-foot-long Sal logs deep into the ground, topped with a teakwood frame and eight feet of solid masonry for stability. The square base features an entrance ornamented with Corinthian leaf garlands and iron gates similar to ancient Egyptian motifs, including the powerful "wings of desire" symbol. The Column: The soaring, classical fluted column above the base is brickwork with a Syrian upper portion. The Dome: The column is topped by two balconies and a small, red bronze dome known as a Turkish cupola, completing the eclectic fusion.
A serpentine staircase of Chunar stone—totaling over 218 steps—leads to the top balconies, which offer a magnificent panoramic view of Kolkata, though access is now strictly restricted.
Renaming and Modern Significance
The Monument shed its colonial identity in the post-Independence era. During the United Front Government's tenure, under Chief Minister Ajay Mukherjee, it was officially renamed Shaheed Minar (Martyrs' Monument) on August 9, 1969, in memory of the martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle.
The vast green field surrounding the monument, known as the Shaheed Minar Maidan or Brigade Parade Ground, has evolved into one of the world’s most significant venues for political gatherings and protests, earning it the nickname "Kolkata's Speaker's Corner." This tradition began in 1931 when the first political meeting was held there, presided over by Rabindranath Tagore, to condemn the killing of a youth in Hijli by the British. Today, the Maidan—often called the "Lungs of Kolkata"—is continually used by political parties, trade unions, and organizations, making the Shaheed Minar a continuous observer of Bengal's socio-political life.
Entry to the monument's upper viewing decks is heavily controlled, requiring prior permission from the Kolkata Police Headquarters (Lalbazar), following an incident in 1997. Despite this restriction, the monument's distinct profile, often beautifully illuminated at night, ensures its place as a timeless and multifaceted landmark.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaheed_Minar,_Kolkata
https://sohamchandra.blogspot.com/2016/01/shaheed-minar-ochterlony-monument.html
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