Top Historical Places in Kolkata – Part 2
Shaheed Minar, Kolkata:
Shaheed Minar is at the top of the list of important historical landmarks in Kolkata. In 1828, Sir David Ochterlony, a commander for the British East India Company, had a memorial built in his honour to honour his military triumphs. As a result, Ochterlony Monument was its original name.
However, this monument was renamed Shaheed Minar (martyrs’ monument) in August 1969 and rededicated to the memory of the martyrs of India’s freedom movement.
Writer’s Building, Kolkata:
The Writer’s Building must be included in any list of the best historical sites in Kolkata. The East India Company’s writers used this structure, which was constructed in 1777, as their office, hence the name. It currently serves as the West Bengal State Government’s secretariat building.
It is the same location where Colonel N.G. Simpson, the infamous Inspector General of Prisons, was shot and killed in 1930 by three revolutionaries from the Indian Freedom Movement: Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta. This UNESCO monument is renowned for its distinctive Greco-Roman architecture in addition to its historical importance.
Raj Bhavan, Kolkata:
The residence of the Governor of West Bengal is Raj Bhavan, one of Kolkata’s most notable structures. This imposing three-story building, designed in neoclassical architecture with Baroque undertones, originally served as the centre of British Imperial power.
The building was created by Capt. Charles Wyatt and was based on the Curzon family’s home. It’s interesting to note that George Nathaniel Curzon, the most well-known member of the Curzon family, was the Viceroy of India in this building in 1803, a century after it had first been built.
Metcalfe Hall, Kolkata:
Metcalfe Hall is a historical site with beautiful architecture that is very similar to the traditional Greek temples of Athens. The Calcutta Public Library’s collection was first housed in an early 19th-century structure, which is tucked away in the centre of the city’s commercial district.
Today, the Asiatic Society’s rare manuscripts and foreign publications are kept on the ground floor, while the Archaeological Survey of India uses the first floor.
Town Hall, Kolkata:
The Town Hall in Kolkata is a magnificent historical structure designed in the Roman-Doric style. This building, which was built in 1813, was used for social events of the city’s European population at the time. Following independence, the building fell into disrepair. But thanks to the intervention of the Calcutta High Court and the Archaeological Survey of India, its structure was brought back to its former splendour in 1998.
The Town Hall is one of Kolkata’s top historical structures and is being used for public events and meetings.
Kalighat, Kolkata:
In Kolkata, history, culture, and religion all coexist. There are numerous religious sites that are also important historical landmarks. A great example is the Kalighat and Kali Temple. Even though the temple is over 200 years old, documents from the 15th century make reference to it.
Sources from history claim that Kalighat is where the name Calcutta originated. Additionally, the region gave rise to Kalighat Pata, one of the most distinctive types of Indian art.
Howrah Bridge, Kolkata:
The magnificent Howrah Bridge must be included in any list of significant historical sites in Kolkata. The most recognisable landmark in Kolkata is perhaps this imposing bridge above the River Hooghly, which was built in 1943 and is a great example of architectural genius.
This is the busiest cantilever bridge in the entire world and was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965. Over 150,000 pedestrians and almost 100,000 automobiles pass by it every day.
Prinsep Ghat, Kolkata:
The Prinsep Ghat is a popular attraction among the historical sites close to Kolkata. This spectacular memorial, which was constructed along the Hooghly River’s banks, was designed in the Gothic and Greek architectural styles. The Hooghly Bridge, situated just beside this place, which is decorated with spectacular lights, is one of the best places in Kolkata to visit at night. It is also a well-liked picnic area for everyone.
You may also like:
Top Historical Places in Kolkata – Part1