Standing tall and free

While driving through the serpentine roads of Kolkata, you will notice an old minar standing in all its beauty, inviting you in. That is Shaheed Minar in the Esplanade area of Kolkata. It was built in the memory of Major-general Sir David Ochterlony who was a respected commander of the British East India Company.

The pillar stands proudly at 157 ft, and was referred to as the “Cloud kissing monument” by Mark Twain. The intriguing truth of this tower is that while the foundation is built following the Egyptian styles of architecture, the mid-column is reminiscent of a vivid Syrian art while the dome is distinctively Turkish. The flutes on the facade of the edifice lends it a very individualistic charm. You can access the two balconies after a rigorous trudge of 223 steps.

Kolkata is dotted with attractions that look like a reminder to the old colonial times and the effect it had on the city. The opulent museums, the architectural marvels and the minar together tell us that the Britishers made this city their home and were investing great efforts to design it like their hometown back in England.

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.

Timings

Opening time - 10:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

The world round the Minar

Right opposite to the Shaheed Minar is the Tipu Sultan Mosque. You can drop in to marvel at the architecture while also soaking in the aura which is heavy with the memories of one of the greatest warriors of India. But if your heart beats for sports, you can visit the Maidan Market that is flooded with jerseys and shoes and even elbow guards for a very cheap price. A short walk away is the oldest and the most versatile market known as New Market. The other places you shouldn’t miss are Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial and Birla Planetarium. They're in the same neighbourhood as Shaheed Minar and are equally enthralling.

If you come to Kolkata, you should indulge in the local cuisines. From typical Chinese joints like Chung Wah which serves up the most delectable Chinese dishes to Raj Spanish Café where you will find real European cuisine, you can eat to your heart’s content. The other iconic eatery is Sabir’s that serves up the most coveted and delicious Rezala, a Mughal dish. But no trip would be complete without a sweet ending. That is why a visit to K.C.Das is absolutely essential because it is here that you can gorge on sweets that taste like drops of heaven.

The most interesting thing about a trip to Kolkata is that you never know what surprise awaits you. It could be the street food, or the sudden bursts of colonial architecture or pockets of sprawling greenery that calm the tired mind.