Location
Saheed Minar is located near Esplanade on the Maidan in South
Kolkata.
About Saheed Minar
The enchanting Saheed Minar of Kolkata is made on similar lines of
famous Qutub Minar of Delhi and forms an important landmark of
Kolkata. Popularly known as the Octerloney Monument, the minar was
built in 1848 by Sir David Ochterlony to commemorate his victory in
the Nepal War (1814-1816).
The construction of the monument encompasses an architectural
variety. The foundation followed an Egyptian style whereas the body
of the Minar and the dome resembled Syrian and Turkish designs
respectively. The Minar is 158 ft. High with two balconies at the
top. One can reach the balcony by using the serpentile staircase.
198 stairs lead from the bottom to the first balcony. From here 25
more stairs lead to the second balcony.
It was named Sahid Minar in 1969 in the memory of the brave
patriots who sacrified their lives for the freedom of India.
Different political parties convene meetings, rallies and seminars
behind the Shahid Minar at present.
The custom of convening political seminars started in 1931 when a
historical convocation took place here which was presided by
Rabindranath Tagore. The humanitarian poet had severely condemned
the vandalism of the imperialist British Government which had shot a
youth dead in the Calabooze in Hizli. Few years ago, the dome of the
'Minar' was coloured which kicked off a storm of protest.
From the top of the Minar a good view of the city can be obtained
but permission to ascend the tower has to be taken from the police
headquarters in Lal Bazaar.
Fact File
» Cost: Rs. - 35,000
» Best Season - October to March
» Height of Minar - 158 Feet
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