Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) was the capital of India under British rule from 1772 to 1911. This kind of architecture, a protracted revelation of modern Britain, naturally unseen so far, brought a new intellectual and cultural awakening to Kolkata. Not surprisingly, a monument was erected in Kolkata in honor of the then Queen Victoria.
A generally secret truth is that the Victoria Memorial didn’t get any financing from the British government. The construction of the white marble building and its surrounding 65-acre garden required a staggering cost of Rs 1.5 crore. In the calculation of inflation, this value is equivalent to about 22 million 48 thousand dollars today.
The diversity of Mughal architecture is integrated into the completeness of the British implementation in the adorned white veneration. Sir William Emerson was the chief architect who created the concept of the Victoria Memorial in its integrity. The activism of the execution was entrusted to Messrs. Martin & Co., Kolkata. The public opening ceremony, from the laying of the foundation stone, took 15 years to build overall.
Victoria Memorial Hall Architecture
In the rundown of structural miracles of India, the Victoria Memorial is viewed as second just to the Taj Mahal regarding greatness. However, in terms of amalgamation of architectural styles, the Victoria Memorial probably surpasses even the great Taj. The design of the memorial has been adapted from Mughal, Venetian, Egyptian, Deccani, and Islamic styles, all of which were cleverly combined to enable only the then British modern architects to build.
Built of Makrana marble, the measurements range from a wide platform to a lantern on the dome, 184 feet. The length from the Angel of Victory to the summit of the Lantern is another 16 feet. It is not surprising that the height of the monument made create a great impression on a visitor’s mind.
Victoria Memorial Hall
The Victoria Memorial Gallery pays homage to Kolkata’s colonial past. They chronologically present various important events described in the oil paintings of the queen’s life. There are also images of the Queen’s coronation, her marriage to Prince Albert, the marriage of her son Edward VII and many more. The Queen’s piano and writing desk are also preserved here. Perhaps the most famous painting, in Jaipur, is the oil painting of the entrance of the Prince of Wales.
If all of this at the Victoria Memorial makes a kneeling salute to India’s imperialist past, you can see the exhibition of national leaders with portraits of freedom fighters, as a compensatory feature. There is a vast collection of invaluable manuscripts used by contemporary playwrights and literal people; Such as Tipu Sultan’s Letter, Hafiz’s Ghazal, Akbar Namah, Shah Namah, Arabian Nights and Rubaiyat compiled by William Shakespeare.
Victoria Memorial Hall's Garden
Skipping meals will result in out-of-control hunger and regularly ends up in over-indulging. Snacking between regular meals will help if you’re pressed for time. simply ensure you’ve got a minimum of 2 balanced meals.
Since it generally offers a perfect open courtyard to have a good time and relaxed time, the Victoria Memorial has gained popularity among young lovers. Traditionally, Indian culture disapproves of the display of public affection between conservative and unmarried couples. As a result, places like the Victoria Garden have become a popular destination for couples.
Victoria Memorial Hall at Night
As evening falls, the white marble building looks radiant, bathed in twilight light. A light and sound exhibition is held at the Victoria Memorial; So that the history of Kolkata is highlighted, which is still a matter of great pride among all Bengalis.
Information about the Victoria Memorial hall
- At the top of the main dome of the monument is the Angel of Victory brass overhang, which is also able to withstand strong winds.
- In addition to the royal family, the statues of Hastings, Cornwallis, Clive, and Dalhousie are also seen in the memory of the statue’s spokesman.
- The beautiful sculptures are very generous in nature and the Indian feeling is also extremely abundant. For example, a sculpture depicts the outflow of water from the head of a lion on all four sides, indicating four great Indian rivers – the Ganges, the Jamuna, the Krishna, and the Indus. There are several others, but they show the way to British architecture, described as “Britain’s life-giving work in India.”
Where is the Victoria Memorial hall located?
The Victoria Memorial, After Jawaharlal Nehru Road, is located on a locally called plain near the banks of the Hooghly River.
Address:
1, Queens Way, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700071.
Ways to reach the Victoria Memorial Hall
Via Air: The closest worldwide air terminal is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Via VIP Road, it will take you about 30 minutes to reach Victoria Memorial from the airport.
Via Rail: The nearest railway station is Howrah Railway Station. It will take you about 15 minutes by car from the railway station to the Victoria Memorial.
Via Metro Rail: The nearest metro railway station is Maidan, from where you can take a taxi or local bus to Victoria Memorial.
Via Bus / Car: Rent a Maruti Omni from Karunamayi stop to Exide stop. There are plenty of local buses from there that will take you to the Victoria Memorial.
When to visit the Victoria Memorial Hall?
In winter, the months of November to February are always the best time to visit Kolkata. However, if you want to see the famous Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, you can come a little earlier.
Since the weather here is very warm and humid from April to September, it is advisable to avoid these months. Also, the torrential rains during July and August can derail your plans to realize the joy of visiting this city.
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