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Victoria Memorial is one of the most attractive and largest monuments of Kolkata which shows the history of this city. This white marble building is one of the largest in Kolkata, and it was built in the colonial and postcolonial periods in the city. The Victoria Memorial is another popular tourist attraction site, it has a magnificent and more historical architectural plan. For an architect lover, history lover, or anyone who wants to spend a quiet time with beautiful nature, Victoria Memorial will be a great addition to any tour.
It was like a walk through history as the Victoria Memorial is a perfect example of neo-classical architecture with an Indian touch. They can learn from the dome starting with the green gardens that are seen to surround the building. If you are planning to visit or if you are merely curious to know more about this wonderful creation then here are the ten things that you should know about Victoria Memorial in Kolkata to make your visit a most memorable one.
Here are the Top 10 Things to Know about Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
1. Architecture
The concept of construction of the Victoria Memorial is British and Mughal architecture, more particularly the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture which was in vogue during the British period in India. European classical, Mughal and Indian styles of architecture were incorporated into the monument by Sir William Emerson which has arches, domes, and carving. The central dome is 56 meters high and this is accompanied by several other minor domes and other architectural details. Such a combination of architectural styles is characteristic of the epoch and due to this Victoria Memorial is not only the symbol of British colonialism but also a reference to the Indian architectural experience.
2. Foundation Stone
The construction of the Victoria Memorial began in 1906 and the foundation stone was also laid by the then Prince of Wales, Edward VIII. This was the beginning of an extended construction campaign that would extend for more than fifteen years. The project was developed after the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and was meant to symbolize the imperial grandeur of the British Empire in India. It was a very important event for the colonial period and it demonstrated how the British administration and the Indian people collectively created this symbol of the Empire.
3. Angel of Victory
On the apex of the central dome of Victoria Memorial the grandeur of ‘Angel of Victory’ has been created. This is a very large statue on large ball bearings so that it rotates with the wind, a bonus to the statue. The angel is the icon of victory and peace, and Victoria is the emblem of Britain and Queen Victoria’s age. Standing over 16 feet tall the Angel of Victory adds to the monument and strengthens the image of British imperialism in India.
4. Sculptures Surrounding the Dome
On the lower part of the central dome of the Victoria Memorial, some sculptures depict various values. These sculptures are of art, architecture, charity, justice, motherhood, learning, and prudence. All the sculptures have a story and are linked to the theme of the monument. Not only do these artworks look great, but they also teach when they draw attention to the ideas that were important to people during the colonization by Britain. This proves that the work and design of those statues were much more than memorials, they also represent the art of that time.
5. Resemblance to Taj Mahal
The Victoria Memorial has many resemblances to the Taj Mahal, particularly in the material used – Makrana marble. These two monuments were built with this splendid white marble which makes the buildings gleam. Besides, even the dome of the building and other architectural features of Victoria Memorial have been copied from the Taj Mahal. This fact proves that there are links between the Mughal architecture and the buildings constructed during the British colonization of India. Both the white marble structure and the symmetrical structure of the Victoria Memorial make an impression similar to the Taj Mahal.
6. Galleries at Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial has 25 galleries, and each of the galleries depicts a different facet of the colonial history of India. Some of the most famous ones include the Sculpture Gallery, Royal Gallery, Portrait Gallery, Central Hall, and Arms and Armor Gallery. These galleries include paintings of Queen Victoria, sculptures of famous personalities, and military equipment of the British time. The gallery of Calcutta and other sections contain historical maps stamps and coins which enhance the knowledge of the visitors. These galleries turn Victoria Memorial into not only an architectural masterpiece but also a historical museum.
7. First Location of Presidency Jail
The site on which the Victoria Memorial now stands was occupied by the Presidency Jail which was one of the oldest and most notorious prisons in British India. The jail was built in the early 1700 and many political prisoners were lodged here including freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence. The jail was finally demolished in 1906 to be replaced by the construction of the Victoria Memorial. The shifting of the prison became a major historical signifier in the history of Kolkata as the city was to change from the old to the new.
8. Funded by the People of India
Victoria Memorial, however, is a monument of British imperialism, it was mainly financed by the Indian populace. This great monument was built as a result of a national effort and contributions were collected from all over the country. The British government also financially supported the creation of the medals but it can be seen that most of the Indians wanted medals from their Queen Victoria. The memorial is not only for the British Empire but also made by Indians and with Indians’ participation.
9. Decolonisation after Indian Independence
After the independence of India in 1947, the decolonization process caused most of the British statues and symbols to be either removed or relocated. In Victoria Memorial, many statues symbolize British rule but these were shifted to the garden of Victoria Memorial. This change was part of a process of erasing colonial legacy from the public domain and replacing it with symbols of Indianness. The process of decolonization was a symbolic gesture of reclaiming the Indian history and culture and Victoria Memorial became a site where colonial as well as post-colonial histories could be written and discussed.
10. Mysterious Writings
Little from Victoria Memorial, you will come across some other engravings such as VRI and Dieu Et Mon Droit. VRI stands for Victoria Regina Imperatrix, Queen Victoria Empress of India, a title which she used during her reign. This phrase was well understood in the British Empire and referred to her rule over Britain and India as well. The entrance has the inscription Dieu Et Mon Droit, which in French translates to God and my right and is the motto of the British royal family and the British monarch, which alludes to the divine right of kings. Even though these inscriptions are not very clear, they say a very interesting thing about the imperial mindset of the time.
Conclusion:
consequently, the Victoria Memorial has the importance of symbolizing the history and art of the colonial period in the form of a monument in Kolkata. Boasting an Indo-Saracenic Revival style building, sculptures, and many galleries that illustrate India during British rule, it is a must-visit. Regardless of just watching the bronze sculpture of the “Angel of Victory” on the dome or reading through the exhibits inside, the memorial is a good stop for those who love history and art. As one of the most visited places in the city of Joy, it still represents the British colonial masters and the constructors.
Victoria Memorial is not just an object that a man goes to, to look at the beauty of a structure, it is a place that feels history. From the laying down of the foundation stone in 1906, up to its post-independence importance, the Victoria Memorial remains an important part of the city. Any person planning to visit Kolkata should make sure that he or she takes time to visit this great monument so that he or she can have a feel of it. Victoria Memorial is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist destinations of the city which depicts the architectural view of the old and new generation.
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