Shaheed Minar, 48-meter monument in Esplanade, Kolkata, India
Shaheed Minar is a 48-meter tower in the Esplanade area of Kolkata, with a base showing Egyptian architectural elements and an upper section crowned by a Turkish-style dome. Between these levels rise fluted columns that recall classical temple architecture, giving the structure a multi-tiered appearance.
The column was erected in 1828 to commemorate General David Ochterlony's victories against the Marathas in Delhi and the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War. Its name was changed in 1969 to honor the fighters of the Indian independence movement.
The name honors fighters who gave their lives during the independence movement, replacing the old designation that recalled a British officer. Visitors today see a column that many locals regard as a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.
A spiral staircase with 223 steps leads to the upper viewing galleries, which require police permission for access following an incident in 1989. The climb demands good physical condition, as the steps are narrow and steep.
At the northern end of the Maidan, where the column stands, Rabindranath Tagore led the first political gathering in 1931 to protest prison killings. This spot has since become a meeting point for rallies and public speeches.
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