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It was earlier known as the
'Octarloni Monument' or in short 'monument'. This was erected in 1828 to commemorate the victory of British army under David Octarloni over the Nepal army in 1814. Charles Nolis
had made the blueprint of this monument. Its builder was J.P. Parker. A fund was collected
to erect this monument. Its cost was Rs. 35,000 in those days.
The construction of the monument encompasses an architectural variety. The foundation
followed an Egyptian style whereas the body of the Minar and the dome
resembled Syrian and Turkish designs respectively. The Minar is 158 ft. high. It has two
balconies at the top. One can reach the balcony by using the serpentile
staircase. 198 stairs lead from the bottom to the first balcony.
From here 25 more stairs lead to the second balcony.
In 1969, the Monument was rechristened as the 'Shahid Minar' to
commemorate the Indian freedom fighters. Different political parties convene meetings, rallies and seminars
behind the Shahid Minar at present.
The custom of convening political seminars started in 1931 when a historical convocation took place here which was presided by Rabindranath
Tagore. The humanitarian poet had severely condemned the vandalism of the
imperialist British Government which had shot a youth dead in the
Calabooze in
Hizli. Few years ago, the dome of the 'Minar' was coloured which kicked off a storm of protest.
One can have a panoramic view of Calcutta from the top of Shahid
Minar. From there, the much-known Calcutta is transformed into an enigmatic fantasy land. But one can not get at the top of the Minar at one's sweet will. For that, one has to secure permission from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lal Bazar (Enquiry) by signing a bond that the venture is undertaken at one's own risk.
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