Lascar War Memorial, World War I memorial at Hastings area, Kolkata, India.
Lascar War Memorial is an Indo-Mughal style monument standing at the southern end of Maidan near Prinsep Ghat. The structure features a four-sided column with a large gilt dome, four small minarets at the corners, and interior spaces with commemorative plaques.
Shipping companies erected this memorial to honor 896 sailors from Bengal and Assam who died serving on British ships during World War I. It stands as a significant tribute to their sacrifice and service.
The memorial preserves the memory of lascars, Indian sailors who worked on European ships from the 16th to 20th centuries. Their story remains largely forgotten today, but the commemorative plaques inside tell of their crucial role in maritime history.
The memorial stands in a central location on the Maidan and is easily accessible on foot from nearby main roads. The northern entrance is open for visitors to step inside and view the commemorative plaques.
The building incorporates a distinctive feature: architect William Ingram Keir designed it with elements that reflect the victory tower of Chitor, complete with wave patterns carved beneath the projecting balcony. These details symbolically blend maritime history with Indian architectural traditions.
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