Bijoy Toran, Heritage gate in Bardhaman, India
Bijoy Toran is a ceremonial gateway in Bardhaman that rises at a major intersection in the city. The structure rests on eight circular columns supporting an upper section decorated with three female statues holding symbolic items like swords, boats, and grain bundles.
The gateway was constructed between 1902 and 1903 to commemorate Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahatab's coronation. Originally called the Star of India due to its design elements, it received its current name following a notable official visit in 1904.
The gate commemorates Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahatab and his rule over the region. The female figures and their symbolic objects represent local traditions and how the community honored their leader through architecture.
The gateway sits at a main intersection about one kilometer from the former royal palace, making it easy to locate. Its position in an open area allows visitors to walk around and view it from different angles without obstruction.
Italian craftsmen constructed the gateway and incorporated star designs into its structure, which led to its original name Star of India. This European craftsmanship brought an unexpected international dimension to a local monument celebrating regional identity.
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