On a wintry December morning, walk down sideways of Jawaharlal Nehru Road from the iconic Park Street to Elliot Park. A right diversion towards Cathedral Road, and another, will land up to Queen’s Way. There lies the Queen’s Memorial, surrounded by the scenic Maidan, covered in the morning mist, mesmerising the Central Kolkata skyline with its white makrana marble structure.
The Victoria Memorial is among the most famous monuments of Kolkata. It has the highest footfall among all the museums in India. Erected between 1906 and 1921, it is the largest monument dedicated to a monarch in the world. The Empress of India from 1876 to 1901 was Queen Victoria, whose memory is enshrined in this structure. Today, Victoria Memorial acts as a museum. This tourist destination is managed by the Ministry of Culture.
Built on the spot that used to be the Presidency Jail, Victoria Memorial is fashioned after the Taj Mahal in Agra and is visited by over 2 million tourists every year. In 1921, the Prince of Wales inaugurated this building. It is considered an example of Indo-Saracenic revivalist-style. Synonymous with Kolkata, it epitomises beauty and grandeur with the Angel of Victory figure atop its central dome.
The Victoria Memorial boasts 25 galleries with almost 3900 paintings. Some of these are the royal gallery, the central hall, the arms and armoury gallery, and the newer Calcutta gallery. Lush greenery and ponds encircle the Memorial, creating a beautiful scene. Walk the gardens to absorb their wonder. Several statues mesmerise with their intricacy and craftsmanship. The bronze statue of Queen Victoria sits upon a throne and is dressed in the robes of the Star of India. Allegorical sculptures of Motherhood, Love, Justice, Art, Architecture, Charity, Learning, and Prudence are present around the central dome.
The elegant Memorial was constructed with finances provided by the princes and people of India. Lord Curzon’s appeal led to the collection of donations from all over the country. The British government had a small contribution in the construction cost. In 1943, during World War II, it was painted black to camouflage the building and prevent it from the danger of Japanese air raid bombings.
At night, lit up against the dark skies, the Victoria Memorial appears exquisite and magnificent. The light and sound show takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Kolkata’s heritage and history. Next time you are in the City of Joy, experience the glory that the “marble-ous” marvel beholds.
(Photo Credits: Kunal Aich)
Sources:
- https://victoriamemorial-cal.org/home/content/en
- https://www.fabhotels.com/blog/victoria-memorial-kolkata/
- https://housing.com/news/victoria-memorial-kolkata/
Kunal Aich
I’m an engineer by profession, a numismatist by hobby, and a history and archaeology enthusiast by passion. I’m currently associated with ILF in different roles of Cultural Researcher, Mapper, and Spark. Also a post-graduate History student of AMU Aligarh, I take much interest in South Indian Archaeology. I spend my leisure time travelling historical places all over India and the number counts to over 300.
