Built in the year 1848 by Sir David Ochterlony to commemorate his victory in the Nepal War (1814-1816), this column is located in the very heart of Kolkata at Esplanade overlooking the Maidan in the south. It is about 48 metres high and is a curious blend of Turkish, Syrian and Egyptian architecture in its form.
After independence, it was renamed the Sahid Minar (Martyr's Column) in memory of the martyrs of the freedom struggle. Although well maintained these days, the base of the column and its approach is surrounded by the central bus terminus which is a crowded area and very unclean. Therefore it would be impossible to attract tourists and other visitors if the terminus is not shifted to another location and the area cleaned up.
Museums and Monuments
Indian Museum Job Charnock's Tomb Park Street Cemetery Shahid Minar Victoria Memorial
Heritage Tour
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