Shahid Minar, also known as Ochterlony Monument of Kolkata, is one of the many attractions of Kolkata. Almost 78 metres tall this marble tower had been one of the most picturesque sites of the city. This tower was built in the memory of Sir David Ochterlony who won the Nepal war in 1814- 1816. Later on this monument was renamed in 1964 as Shahid Minar in the honour of the all the freedom fighters who laid their lives during the freedom struggle of India.
Shahid Minar reflects a harmonious fusion of Syrian, Egyptian and Turkish schools of architecture. While the columns of the tower reflect the Syrian architecture, the base follows the Egyptian idiom and the dome is undoubtedly a piece of Turkish architecture. This monument of Kolkata was designed by J.P. Parkar which carries at least 218 steps to reach the top of the tower. The top of the tower carries two balconies which gives a panoramic view of Kolkata city. The Shahid Minar alongwith its scenic beauty restricts the movement of the visitors who are supposed to take the permission of police to climb at the top of the tower. Because of its height it is often prone to accidents for which a number of restrictions are made by the West Bengal police.
Thus, Shahid Minar is a tourist site in Kolkata which is historically relevant as well as politically significant.
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