Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) offers some remarkable architectural landmarks with significant historic ties. Visitors who appreciate learning about its past should pay a visit to these legendary places of Kolkata.
Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most beloved historical landmarks, built to remember 25 years of Queen Victoria’s rule and commemorate her reign over India. This iconic structure stands as one of its iconic historical landmarks today.
Shaheed Minar
Shaheed Minar in Kolkata is one of the city’s most breathtaking historical landmarks, jointly designed by Hamidur Rahman and avant-garde sculptor Novera Ahmed to stand out among traditional subcontinental styles that favour columnar monuments. It’s been one of Kolkata’s landmarks ever since!
This octagonal cenotaph was built to commemorate all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for India during World War I and to remember those who laid down their lives for its freedom.
At night, this monument illuminates into an incredible sight. A vast field to its south known as Shaheed Minar Maidan or Brigade Ground has hosted various political rallies and fairs over time.
Fort William
Fort William is one of Kolkata’s iconic heritage sites, constructed by the British East India Company in 1696 CE as an octagonal structure overlooking three sides of River Ganga and Maidan Grounds. Adorned with beautiful curve-like windows and intricate stonework, Fort William stands as an architectural wonder to behold.
After the Black Hole tragedy, when Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah captured and took possession of the original fort, EIC decided to construct a stronger and more substantial fort, complete with formidable defenses and amenities tailored specifically for military personnel. This new fort included various amenities to ensure its inhabitants’ protection.
One of the attractions inside Fort Duquesne is the Ball Tower, an early form of communication predating electrical telegraphy. Consisting of bell-like structures which could be read by individuals positioned at either end of a line of vision and signaled one to another, it was part of an early system used for signalling between distant locations.
Writers Building
The Writers Building stands as a symbol of Kolkata’s rich history. Designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 and originally housing entry-level clerks of the English East India Company, later Ionic columns and verandah were added; from 1889-1906 two additional blocks with striking iron staircases were constructed alongside them.
On December 8, 1930, three Bengali revolutionaries dressed as Europeans stormed and killed Inspector General of Prisons Colonel NS Simpson inside this building on December 8th.
Now home to several government departments, and most recently serving as the scene of lockdown during coronavirus pandemic, this 150-meter long structure boasts a distinct Greco-Roman aesthetic with statues depicting Greek gods as well as Minerva (Roman goddess) dominating its pediment.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Jorasanko Thakur Bari, located at 6/4 Dwarakanath Tagore Lane, was Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home and museum, housing his personal memorabilia such as photographs, manuscripts, books and paintings he owned or had printed during his lifetime. Additionally it boasts an invaluable reserve of original paintings.
House 66 exhibits details regarding its family’s involvement in Bengal Renaissance and Brahmo Samaj. Open to the public, the house regularly organizes cultural programs as well as providing visitors an opportunity to view a light and sound show.
This historical site is easily accessible, as it lies within Rabindra Bharati University campus and can be reached via taxis and buses that run regularly to it, as well as being within walking distance from Girish Park metro station.
Raj Bhavan
Raj Bhavan Palace in Kolkata stands out as an impressive structure. Built by Rajendra Mullick in 1835 as an elegant marble mansion for social gatherings of European residents during British rule.
Fort William is another must-see historical landmark in Kolkata and features six entry points to enter it. Constructed from stone, its three sides face towards the alluring Ganga River for maximum viewing pleasure.
Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu, one of Kolkata’s iconic heritage spots, will leave you spellbound. Not only a landmark but also a testament to engineering brilliance as it was created without bolts or nuts!
