While travelling from Howrah to Kolkata via Vidyasagar Setu, we can always see a big white tomb with an Angel on top who seems to be blowing a trumpet. That is what we call Victoria Memorial, mostly the first destination of every tourist vising Kolkata.
The magnificent marble edifice has always attracted everyone for its pure beauty and architecture as well. Exploring the various facets of the memorial, reading various statues and plaques installed there, admiring its architecture, feasting our eyes on the well-maintained garden and blooming flowers around the memorial.
It was when Victoria, the Queen of Great Britain died in January 1901, Lord Curzon, who was then Viceroy of India, decided to build a grand memorial in her memory. He appealed to the people of India and the public and the royalties who donated funds to the tune of Rupees one crore five lakhs which was the cost of this monument. The British Govt. surprisingly did not spend a single penny on the construction of this building. The 184 feet high building, made of white marble was designed by Sir William Emerson who was President of the British Institute of Architects by using British as well as Mughal architecture principles.
The top of the building has a number of figurines which represent Motherhood, Prudence and Learning. The main dome is surrounded by figures of Art, Architecture, Charity and Justice. At the entrance, there is a magnificent bronze statue of the Queen. The magnificent gardens and lush green lawns found to be one of the best-kept gardens of Kolkata, flowers blooming in every part, ambience relaxing and extremely soothing. Families sitting and singles lying on lawns was quite a sight.
While originally the monument sought to cover the life and history of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it finally depicted the saga of British Empire and their success in India. Over a period of time, after India achieved independence, photos of freedom fighters and related information have also been added to the gallery.
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