Shaheed Minar
Victory Column: Shaheed Minar, originally known as the Ochterlony Monument, is a towering pillar located on the Maidan. It was erected in 1828 to commemorate the victory of Major General Sir David Ochterlony in the Anglo-Nepalese War. The monument is 48 meters (157 feet) high and stands as a unique architectural specimen at the corner of Esplanade. In 1969, the monument was rededicated to the martyrs of the Indian independence movement and renamed Shaheed Minar (Martyrs' Tower). Historically, the ground surrounding the minar has been the site of massive political rallies and public meetings, earning it the nickname "Brigade Ground." Famous leaders like Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru have addressed crowds here. The monument was famously called the "cloud-kissing monument" by the author Mark Twain during his visit to the city. Its location makes it a central landmark, visible from several parts of the city. The tower has a winding staircase inside that leads to two balconies offering a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. After years of restricted access, it has been renovated with modern lighting that illuminates the pillar in different colors at night. It stands as a symbol of the city's transition from a colonial outpost to a hub of democratic expression and patriotic remembrance.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
45 Minutes to 1 HourPlace Type:
Historical Monument / LandmarkEntry Fees:
Free View: Viewing from the ground is free.
Permission Fee: Climbing to the top usually requires a formal application to the police, with no fixed fee. ...Free View: Viewing from the ground is free.
Permission Fee: Climbing to the top usually requires a formal application to the police, with no fixed fee.Timing:
Regular Hours: Grounds are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Night View: Visible from outside until late night.
Ideal Visit Time: Dusk, to see the lights turn on. ...Regular Hours: Grounds are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Night View: Visible from outside until late night.
Ideal Visit Time: Dusk, to see the lights turn on.Best Photo Spots:
Dufferin Road: Get a full-length shot of the monument from across the road.
The Balcony: A bird’s-eye view of the Esplanade traffic and Maidan.
Night Lighting: Vivid colors at night. ...Dufferin Road: Get a full-length shot of the monument from across the road.
The Balcony: A bird’s-eye view of the Esplanade traffic and Maidan.
Night Lighting: Vivid colors at night.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Climb the Tower: With police permission, climb the 223 steps for a 360-degree view of Kolkata.
Maidan Stroll: Walk across the vast green expanse of the Maidan surrounding the monument.
Photography: Capture the minar against the blue sky or during the colorful night lighting.
Visit Tipu Sultan Mosque: Walk to the nearby mosque located right opposite the minar.
Explore Esplanade: Visit the nearby New Market for shopping after seeing the monument.
Evening Relaxing: Sit on the lawns and enjoy the cool breeze during the sunset.
Attend a Rally: If a public event is scheduled, witness the massive scale of public gatherings in the city. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Political Epicenter: Famous as the backdrop for the "Brigade Parade Ground" rallies that have shaped Bengal’s politics for decades.
Architectural Rarity: Renowned for its "three-style" construction which is unique in the world, combining...Political Epicenter: Famous as the backdrop for the "Brigade Parade Ground" rallies that have shaped Bengal’s politics for decades.
Architectural Rarity: Renowned for its "three-style" construction which is unique in the world, combining Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish designs. -
Architecture:
Eclectic Fusion: The minar is a rare blend of three styles. The foundation is Egyptian, the main fluted column is Syrian (Classical), and the crowning cupola is Turkish.
Vertical Scale: It stands 48 meters tall. The interior features a s...Eclectic Fusion: The minar is a rare blend of three styles. The foundation is Egyptian, the main fluted column is Syrian (Classical), and the crowning cupola is Turkish.
Vertical Scale: It stands 48 meters tall. The interior features a serpentine staircase with 223 steps leading to the top balconies. The fluted facade gives it an elegant, slender appearance that stands out against the flat landscape of the Maidan. -
How To Reach:
By Air: 17 KM from the airport.
By Train: 4 KM from Sealdah and 5 KM from Howrah.
By Road: Located at the heart of Esplanade bus terminus.
By Local Transport: Take the M... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Indian Museum (0. 5 KM), 2. New Market (0. 4 KM), 3. Tipu Sultan Mosque (0. 1 KM), 4. Curzon Park (0. 2 KM), 5. Eden Gardens (1. 5 KM), 6. Akashvani Bhavan (1. 2 KM), 7. Town Hall (1. 8 KM), 8. High Court (2 KM), 9. Princep Ghat (3 KM), 10. Victoria Memorial (2. 5 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be careful of traffic at the crossing. Keep your phone secure.
Packing: Comfortable walking shoes for the Maidan.
Accommodation: Many budget hotels nearby in New Market.
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