Returning the honour to martyrs
The story started in 1828. The East India Company was tightening its grasp over the trade and political arenas of Kolkata. The sign of their colonial intention was vividly clear as they built Shaheed Minar in the memory of Major-general Sir David Ochterlony who was the commander of the British East India Company. This was built to rejoice the win of the East India Company against the Marathas in Delhi Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War.
After independence the Indian Government decided to change the narrative of this attraction. The dedication was then redirected to the people who had lost their lives in the struggle to gain independence for India. Shaheed is martyrs in Hindi. It was not open to the public for the longest time; however, the Government of West Bengal has started welcoming the public. It is now decorated and lit up with lights in the evening and looks spectacularly beautiful against the city’s night sky.
Climbing up the stairs to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the balconies was restricted for the longest time. Now the authorities do allow people to climb up and enjoy a moment from the top of the tower.
Drenched in moonlight and colours
The Shaheed Minar is not the monument to be enjoyed during day time. The renovations and the lighting up of the flutes is a spectacle that should be reserved for after dusk. You can see it drenched in colours of blue, purple, orange and green while enjoying a drive along Strand Road. If time permits and you are revved with the curiosity to learn more, you can inch closer to the grand monument, marvel at its brilliance and remember the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives for a free India.