Victoria Memorial Kolkata West Bengal History and Interesting Facts

Victoria Memorial Quick Facts

Victoria Memorial Overview

The Victoria Memorial is a historical monument in Kolkata, India, dedicated to Queen Victoria of England. The monument is one of the finest examples of European architecture, with a magnificent museum displaying more than 3,000 objects, including the Queen's piano and study desk.

Victoria Memorial History

After the death of Queen Victoria of England on 22 January 1901, Lord Baron Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, suggested the construction of a memorial named Victoria Memorial. The foundation of this memoir was laid by the Prince of Wales on 4 January 1906.

In 1912, before the construction of the Victoria Memorial, King George V announced the transfer of the Indian capital from Calcutta to New Delhi, which led to the construction of the Victoria Memorial in a provincial area rather than the capital. It was later formally opened to the public in 1921 by King George V.

A Brief History of Queen Victoria:

The famous Queen of England Alexandrina Victoria, better known as Queen Victoria, was born in London on 24 May 1819, who was made Queen of England on 28 June 1838, and after almost two years she became Albert, Prince on 10 February 1840. Married to Consort and died on 22 January 1901.

Victoria Memorial Interesting Facts

1. The Construction of this famous monument took about 15 years which was started on 4 January and was completed by 1921.
2. This monument is also made of white Makrana marble like Taj Mahal, which adds to its beauty, the height of this monument is 56 meters.
3. The central dome of this monument is the largest, on top of which is a statue called "Angel of Victory". Its height is 4.9 meters and around this dome there are many symbolic sculptures including art, architecture, justice and charity.
4. A total cost of Rs 1 crore, 5 lakhs was incurred to build this monument, which was collected with the help of the states of India, the individuals of the British Raj and the British Government in London.
5. For the construction of this monument, William Emmers, President of the famous institute "Architects Royal Institute of British" in the United Kingdom, and his assistant Vincent Esk were called upon to structure it.
6. The structure of this monument has been done in the Indo-Saracenic style, which is a fine example of European architecture, in which the proper use of Indian, Mughal, and European styles can be easily seen.
7. The Monument has 25 galleries that were built by Thomas Daniels and William Daniels, including the Royal Gallery, the National Leaders Gallery, the Picture Gallery, the Central Hall, the Sculpture Gallery, the Arms and Armory Gallery and the Calcutta Gallery.
8. It also includes 21 very beautiful gardens covered over 64 acres, these were structured by Lord Redsdale and David Pren.
9. Its Museum has some historical items such as the sword of Tipu Sultan, the stick used in the battle of Plassey, Akbarnama written by Abul Fazal, rare postage stamps etc.
10. The place where it has been constructed used to be a presidency jail, which was later shifted to Alipore and the work of building a memorial there started.