As the colonial capital of India, Kolkata is a haven of Indian historical and cultural sites. While no longer the Indian capital, Kolkata (formerly spelled Calcutta) serves as the capital of the state of West Bengal and is the second largest city in the country. Every year visitors come to the city to absorb the history and culture, enjoy the amazing Bengali food, stay in five star Kolkata hotels, and shop to their hearts delight in the many bazaars, markets, and malls.
One of the more popular historical attractions in Kolkata is the Victorial Memorial. Dedicated as memorial to Great Britian’s Queen Victoria who was also the Empress of India, it now houses a museum of British and Indian arts and sculpture from colonial times as well as tributes to the Queen. The grounds are a popular picnic area for families on weekends and a there are nightly light and sound shows in both Bengali and English.
Designed by Sir William Emerson, the Memorial was built between 1906 and 1921. Although it was intended to be designed in the Italian Renaissance style, Emerson incorporated many Mughal elements in the final design. Constructed entirely of white marble, the building is surrounded by extensive gardens. The dome of the Memorial features a black bronze Angel of Victory with a bugle in her hand. In strong winds, the five meter tall Angel serves as a weather vane. The Memorial was the inspiration of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon.
Dedicated in 1921 by the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VIII), the Memorial remains one of the best preserved and maintained structures in India. It is home to a number of likenesses of men who played important roles in India’s history, including statues, paintings and drawings. Of course, most of the figures are British.
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