Monumento all'Indiano, Cenotaph in Parco delle Cascine, Florence, Italy.
Monumento all'Indiano is a cenotaph located in Parco delle Cascine that takes the form of a stone canopy resting on four columns. Inside this sheltered space stands a bust sculpture, creating a small memorial chamber.
The monument was built in 1870 with British government funding following the death of Maharajah Rajaram II in Florence. He had been traveling back home after meeting with Queen Victoria when his journey came to an end in the city.
The inscriptions on the monument are written in four languages: Italian, English, Hindi, and Punjabi. These texts show how this place connects people from different parts of the world and remains meaningful across cultures.
The monument sits at the western end of Parco delle Cascine, near where the Arno River and Mugnone stream meet. It is easily accessible within this large public park where you can walk around and explore the wider area.
This location was the site of one of the first authorized Hindu cremation ceremonies in Florence, sparking scientific discussions about funeral practices in 19th-century Italy. The event marked an important moment in the history of connections between Europe and Asia.
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