Introduction:
Viceroy
of India Lord Curzon created an idea for the Victoria Memorial, one of the most significant
historical sites in Kolkata. Victoria Memorial is an iconic landmark of the
proud city of Kolkata. There is a lot of history associated with this name. It
is a beautiful monument and museum. The white building on the green grass
stands tall in the heart of Kolkata. There is so much beautiful green grass, and plants around this building that will fascinate you. The chirping of various
birds can be heard in this beautiful garden. Sitting in this Victorian garden
will make you feel at one with nature.
History of Victoria Memorial:
Queen
Victoria was the Empress of British India. She died in January 1901. After she
died, Lord Curzon thought of building a huge memorial to Queen Victoria. He
proposed the monument to be a royal building with a museum. The foundation
stone of the monument was laid on 4 January 1906 by the Prince of Wales. It
took 15 years to build this memorial. Then the building was officially
inaugurated by Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor. The memorial was opened to the
public in 1921. Some
of the Queen's personal belongings were displayed in this gallery. The cost of
building this memorial came from the funds of Indian princes and native states.
But a small part of the funding also came from the British government in London.
After India's
independence in 1947, many additions were made to the memorial.
Architecture of Victoria Memorial :
In
terms of design, the design of the Victoria Memorial is taken from the Taj
Mahal. There is a main central dome, four smaller domes, high portals,
octagonal domed chatris, corner domed towers and terraces. The memorial is 200
feet tall, including the "Angel of Victory," which is perched above
the main dome at a height of 16 feet. On
top of the central dome, the "Angel of Victory" is suspended on
enormous ball bearings that revolve in response to the wind. The central dome
is surrounded by four allegorical sculptures: Art, Architecture, Justice, and
Charity. Just above the front façade or north porch, three further allegorical
sculptures are positioned: Motherhood, Learning, and Prudence. All of the
allegorical sculptures were created in Italy and transported there. White Makrana marble from
Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan was used in its construction by
Victoria Memorial. Vincent Esch, the supervising architect, helped him. The
heritage monument's architecture is built on an Indo-Saracenic revivalist style
with a blend of Egyptian, Venetian, Deccan, and Islamic influences. Messrs.
Martin & Co. of Calcutta received the commission to build the memorial.
At the memorial gardens'
main entrance, two enormous marble lion statues stand for might. A few feet
from the garden grounds' main entrance is a massive bronze statue of the Queen
Empress. Sir George Frampton created the bronze statue in England, and it was
shipped all the way to India. A
statue of Lord Curzon is placed in front of the Victoria Memorial. The structure is 337 feet by
226 feet and rises to a height of 183 feet.
Modern Victoria Memorial:
Today
this grand historic building is one of the top museums in Kolkata. There are
about 25 galleries here. Some of the notable galleries among them are Sculpture
Gallery, Portrait Gallery, National Leaders Gallery, Queen's Hall Gallery, Arms
and Armory Gallery and Calcutta Gallery etc. The gallery houses 30,000 valuable
artefacts including rare photographs, paintings by both Western and Indian
artists depicting the Queen's life. Also noted are the oil paintings of Raja
Mohan Rai. This gallery contains so many old memories that one cannot even
imagine. Artifacts of weapons and armour, sculptures and ancient books are
available in this gallery. This gallery houses two cannons used in the Battle
of Plassey (The British East India Company decisively defeated the Nawab of
Bengal and his French allies at the Battle of Plassey on June 23, 1757).
Currently, this property is under the responsibility of the Ministry of
Culture. A sizable
collection of artefacts, mementos, and works of art that illustrate India's
colonial history are kept in the Victoria Memorial. A variety of artefacts,
including as portraits, sculptures, weapons, and historical documents, are on
display in the museum there. The galleries can be explored by visitors to learn
more about the past and the cultural interchange that took place between India
and the British Empire.
Gardens of Victoria Memorial:
Victoria
Memorial's lush gardens are spread over 64 acres of land. This garden is
surrounded by various seasonal flowers and fruit trees. Here fountains are seen
around the garden. This garden is covered with green grass. Tourists from far
and wide enjoy the Victoria Memorial by sitting under the shade of trees in
this garden. The shade of the trees in the garden and the numerous droplets of
water from the fountain keep the surroundings of the garden cool. Victoria Gardens is ideal for a
morning tour. Those who visit here in the morning secure their entry by
depositing some money annually. The responsibility of tending this garden is
given to some people. There is a statue of Lord Curzon outside the south
entrance of the Victoria Memorial. There are also statues of Lord William
Bentinck, Governor General of India, George Robinson and Rajendra Nath at
various places in the garden. Small white pebbles are laid at the entrance of
the Victoria Memorial, which adds to the beauty of Victoria. Tourists come from
far and wide to see the natural scenery of this garden. Once you enter here,
you won't know how your whole day will pass.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Victoria Memorial famous for?
Lord Curzon built an opulent white marble monument in Calcutta to commemorate Queen Victoria. Victoria Memorial or Victoria Palace is much more than an iconic landmark or historical building in the city of Kolkata.
What is the entry fee for Victoria Memorial for Indians?
Victoria Memorial Gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Entry free for Indians is INR 20
What is inside Victoria Memorial?
Victoria Memorial is a major museum in Kolkata. It has 25 galleries inside. The museum has oil paintings along with weapons and armour, sculptures and ancient books. There are also battle-disrupted cannons of Plassey. Inside is a statue of Queen Victoria. There is a spiral staircase.
Can we eat in Victoria Memorial?
Victoria Gardens has canteen where you can get Chinese, Mughlai, South Indian and Bengali food. You can also have lunch here. Very testy food in these canteen.
is victoria memorial good for couples?
Victoria Gardens is the safest place for couples to sit. The beautiful weather in the garden evokes a strange thrill in the minds of Couples. When you visit here, you will see many couples and also you will see many families.
is camera allowed in victoria memorial?
You can take as many photos as you like at the Victoria Memorial Gardens. But taking pictures inside the museum is strictly prohibited.
What is the nearest metro station to Victoria?
Maidan is the nearest metro station to Victoria. Which is located between Rabindra Sadan and Park Street station. Distance from Maidan Metro Station to Victoria is 1 km. Which is walkable.
Is Victoria Memorial one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
One of the most prominent reminders of British colonial authority in India is the Victoria Memorial. It is one of the Seven Wonders of West Bengal.
Why is it called Victoria Memorial?
When the British were in India, Queen Victoria was the Empress of India. Later, when Queen Victoria died in 1901, Lord Curzon built this memorial in Kolkata to commemorate Queen Victoria. It is named Victoria Memorial after the Queen.
What is the area of Victoria Memorial?
The Victoria Memorial and Gardens cover an area of about 57 acres.
