Trip to VICTORIA MEMORIAL HALL , KOLKATA
Credit: KenWalker | wikimedia.org
From Kali Ghat Kali Mandir ( temple ) we came back to metro rail station . We bought four tickets for Maidan – a stoppage near Victoria Memorial Hall. We had to walk nearly half kilometer to reach the place. It was about 3.30 P.M. We purchased tickets for entry. The moment we entered, Shubham and Monika exclaimed with surprise and remarked , “ What a beautiful monument it is ! amazing too ! Nanaji ! we stayed with you for more than two years but you never took us to Kolkata. So many beautiful things are here – worth seeing and unique of its kind – related to our ancient history. Please tell us when, how and why it was built – in whose memory and by whom? ”
Don’t be impatient. I will tell you everything about it one by one. Let us have a round and see it from all angles and points of view. We stood up in front of the statue of Queen Victoria. Though it was installed long back, it looked glamorous. We stared at the Victoria Memorial from a very close distance. The total construction is made up of white marbles.
The history of Victoria Memorial Hall , Kolkata is about a hundred years old. In the year 1901 when Queen Victoria breathed her last, the then Vice Roy of India Lord Curzon thought of building such a monument parallel to Taj Mahal of Agra. That was why marbles were brought from Makrana of Rajasthan from whereof the same quality of marbles were carried for building one of the most wonderful structure in the memory of Mumtaj Begam , wife of Shahjahan, the then Moghal emperor of India.
At that time in India M/S Martin & Co. was a very reputed and well equipped civil contractor. As such the job was awarded to them.
“Nanaji ! when was it started and when completed?” – Monika said to me.
It was started in 1906 and completed in 1920. It took 14 years in its completion in all respect.
“ Who designed its marvelous construction?” – Shubham asked .
He was Sir William Emerson.
“How much money was incurred in its construction?” – asked Monika.
I cannot say the exact money spent over it but as per the record it is around one crore and five lac rupees.
The construction of this memorial hall could be possible mostly with the fund made available wholeheartedly by the then landlords & princes of the different states and regions of the country under the British Rule.
“We notice it is spreading in the heart of the city in a very large area. Please throw light upon it.”- Added Shubham.
Yes,what you say is correct. The whole area is spreading in 64 acres of free land in which the main hall of Victoria Memorial, gardens and grassy lawns, green spots, trees and plans, tanks and springs, nurseries ,footpaths for the pedestrians, proper arrangement for siting places all around for the visitors and so on. Inside no shops, no thelawala, khomchawala, hawkers are allowed to sell anything. The very purpose is to avoid nuisance, dust, dirt, packages, ports, bags etc. Every effort is made by the management and its officials & workers to keep the whole area quite neat and clean free from any type of pollution.
Outside of it all types of shops are available where one can take breakfast, lunch, sweets, namkeen, golgappa, fruit juice, roasted groundnuts etc. Baghis ( Horsecarts ) beautifully decorated are readily available on rent to go merry round the maidan. Particularly for children play parks are also seen where kids enjoy playing as they want.
Beside visitors from the different parts of the country of different cast, creed and blood in a large number, we find young boys and girls sitting and walking in pairs talking together in jolly mood as if … ? – Monika pointed it out.
In fact they are friends – good friends. All of you are major, so I do not hesitate to say that they are lovers. This place is also a “ Lovers’ Point “ as it is situated in a calm & quit place in a large area far from the din & bustle of the city life.
“O, I see !” – exclaimed Monika nodding her head in …
“Who manages the whole things so nicely?” – wanted to know Shubham.
It is the duty & responsibility of the West Bengal Govt. to manage it properly. Its officials and particularly its workers look after it wholeheartedly.
One more important thing you should know whosoever comes to Kolkata does visit this Victoria Memorial Hall. Anyone can come from Howrah, Sealdah, Kolkata and Shalimar Rly. Stations by bus, taxies, cars etc.
There is nominal entry fee to enter the campus of the Victoria Memorial Hall. It is now Rs. 10 per head.
Victoria Memorial Hall is situated in “ Maidan ( Ground ) ” where Metro Rail Station is also located and wherefrom it is on a walk able distance and clearly visible too from here. The Hall is normally opened for public from 10 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. The most suitable period to visit here is from October to March. It is open for public for all days of the week except Monday. Monday is the week holiday for the official and workers for rest. There is a worth seeing museum also inside the hall.
The moment one enters the Victoria Memorial Hall, the statue of Queen Victoria sitting on a chair is noticed. It is an iconic symbol of British regime. Since she was the supreme authority of British Authority, in order to commemorate her for the years to come, this Hall was constructed uniquely and her statue was installed superbly.
“Nanaji ! we are very proud of being here with you and learning a lot about Victoria Memorial today. Now we are very tired of walking this large area. We are feeling hungry too.”- Monika said to me.
Well ! let us go out and take some food and drink outside.
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Writer : Durga Prasad. Esplanade, Kolkata, 21st. April 2014, Monday.
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