Victoria- Memories encaged in a monument.

There are certain places that you cannot afford to miss when you are in the city. And some that are always worth visiting second and third time as well. Victoria Memorial is one of them. People from all around the world come to check out the large and beautiful colonial structure that stands at a landmark location.

Victora Memorial

Even for people who love photography, the building, the gardens and the fountains are a delight to click a snap. A good place to stroll but the grounds and structure need to be better maintained to restore the splendour of this heritage building.

Let's throw some light on history and architectural background of Victoria Memorial, Lord Curzon was one who envisaged the main idea of the erection which was to serve as the architectural culmination of the Kolkata city and now it has become the main attraction of the city. Architecturally, the building draws both the Indian and English aesthetics and it looks like a cross between the Taj Mahal and the White House or the Capitol building.

Victoria view

The place is such that anyone can end up having a peaceful time, surrounded by the tranquillity of the nature. The sight is so poetic that you are bound to get mesmerized. You can even end up getting the best ideas out there. At times all you need is the right place to inspire you and Victoria Memorial in that matter will never disappoint you. Try it sometime! In the end I would like to emphasize that no matter how little time you have in Kolkata, just try and visit this gem in an otherwise chaotic place.

Interesting facts:

• The memorial was designed by Sir William Emerson using Indo-Saracenic style, incorporating Mughal elements in the structure.

• The design of the structure represents a fusion of British and Mughal architecture.

• The massive hall is 338 feet (103 m) by 228 feet (69 m) and rises to a height of 184 feet (56 m).

• British government money was not used in its construction at all. Rather, the British Indian states, along with the individuals who wanted some favours from the British government, were the main contributors towards the cost of building the Victoria Memorial Hall.

• It houses a museum containing a large collection of memorabilia relating to Queen Victoria and the British presence in India as well as other exhibits.

Aakriti Prasad

PGPMC

2nd sem