During India's colonial time, many buildings and monuments were built by the British. The use of modern techniques and science in the architecture of all the buildings still holds the beauty to attract people all over the world. Among all of the buildings that were made during the time of British India, Victoria Memorial is one of the most beautiful tourist destination and heritage in Kolkata, India.
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
History
It was built between 1906 and 1921 by the banks of Hooghly River. After the death of Queen Victoria, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston and Viceroy of India suggested to build this on her memory. Curzon said,
"Let us, therefore, have a building, stately, spacious, monumental and grand, to which
every newcomer in Calcutta will turn, to which all the resident population, European
and Native, will flock, where all classes will learn the lessons of history, and see revived
before their eyes the marvels of the past".
It was formally opened to the public in 1921. Before the construction of the Victoria Memorial, King George V announced the transfer of the capital of India from Calcutta to New Delhi.
The Victoria Memorial is fully made of Markana Marble. This memorial stands tall in Kolkata and is certainly an architectural wonder which is one of the main attraction of the city.
Entrance of Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Gallery
The Victoria Memorial has total 25 galleries like Royal Gallery, The National Leaders Gallery, The Portrait Gallery, Central Hall, The Arms and Armory Gallery, Calcutta Gallery, The Sculpture Gallery. Victoria Memorial also has a rare and antique collection of books such as William Shakespeare, The Arabian Nights and many more. Many exhibitions also performed here like cultural dance and music.
The Royal Gallery displays a number of portraits of King and Queen. Many oil paintings are also the copy of the Victoria Memorial in London. Exhibitions show the pictures of Victoria's childhood to marriage and also many prince and princess' portrays.
Calcutta Gallery was promoted in the year of 1970 by Saiyid Nurul Hasan, The Education Minister to show the history of Calcutta. This gallery displays the history and development of Calcutta under Job Charnock of the East India Company to 1911, the time when the capital of India was transferred to New Delhi.
Inside of Victoria Memorial
Garden
Victoria Memorial Garden is also one of the pleasent attraction here. You can sit in front of the building and lake under tree shadow and rest yourself. This gardens cover an area of 64 acres. The elite society of Kolkata come to the garden for early morning walks and to prepare themselves for the tiring day ahead. Being a monument of the British Emperor, you can find statues like Queen with the star of India and of other luminaries like Lord Ripon in the garden of Victoria Memorial.
Garden of Victoria Memorial
Outside of the Victoria Memorial, you can also take a ride on the Horse Cart and enjoy the beauty of the street of Kolkata nearby Maidan area.
Horse Carts Outside of the Victoria Memorial
P.S--All pictures taken from Nikon Coolpix Camera. Here is the link for Indian Customers--
And here is the link for the customers Outside of the India--
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