Kolkata
Kolkata bears a signifcant imprint of British colonial architecture, evident in its stately buildings, imposing facades, and grand structures. The city boasts numerous landmarks from this era, such as the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Writer's Building.
VICTORIA MEMORIAL
The Victoria Memorial is a monument located in Kolkata,standing as a reminder of the Colonial past of the city. The construction of the monument was started in the year 1906 and completed in 1921. The monument was constructed to commemorate the 25 year-long reign of Queen Victoria,the then British monarch,over India. The monument was constructed by Sir William Emerson, a British architect,combining Indo- Saracenic and Renaissance architectural styles. Victoria Memorial is a structure made of white marble consisting of a central dome,and sculptures showcasing the glorious Colonial era,surrounded by greenery on all sides.
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One custom which is followed here even today is the celebration of Independence Day of India on August 15th. The monument serves as a venue for patriotic events, including fag hoisting and cultural programmes, including the famous light-and-sound show symbolising India’s journey from being a British colony to an Independent Country. The long-spread green gardens surrounding the monument have become a popular spot for leisurely walks and picnics, refecting a blend of historical reverence and contemporary recreation.
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As for restrictions, one can not carry any sort of plastic packets inside the premises of Victoria Memorial. Food items can be taken in for picnic purposes,but are limited to the garden area only,i.e. not allowed when going inside the monument.
TIMINGS: 10:00 AM- 05:00 PM (Closed on Mondays) Directions: 10 Minutes from
Maidan Metro Station Gate No.1
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL CHURCH
St. Paul's Cathedral Church in Kolkata has a rich history that dates back to the British colonial era. It was built in 1839 and completed in 1847, making it one of the oldest churches in Kolkata. The cathedral was designed by Major William Nairn Forbes,following the Indo-Gothic style. Initially, St.Paul’s Cathedral served as the Anglican cathedral for the British community in Kolkata. The church underwent renovations and restoration work to maintain its structural integrity and historical signifcance.
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Speaking of traditions followed here, regular church services, including Sunday worship and special ceremonies, are conducted in accordance with Anglican rituals. The church also hosts events like weddings, baptisms, and funerals, keeping in mind the Anglican customs. The people actively participate in hymns, prayers, and sermons during services. Additionally, festivals like Christmas and Easter are celebrated with religious fervor, attracting both the Christian community and visitors.
As for the restrictions while visiting this place,one can not take any sort of food item inside the church premises. Photography and videography can be done in the compound of the church but not inside the Cathedral. Also,one must not make any sort of noise inside the church. If anyone wishes to conduct any event like marriage ceremony inside the church premises,they must seek permission from the respective authorities.
TIMINGS: 09:00 AM- 12:00 PM, 03:00 PM-06:00 PM (All Days) Directions: 10 Minutes from Rabndra Sadan Metro Station Gate No.2, behind Nandan Complex
WRITER’S BUILDING
The Writer’s Building,Kolkata,which is currently the primary ofce of the Government of West Bengal, was originally constructed as the ofce for clerks or "writers" of the East India Company. It later served as the secretariat of the Government of Bengal not only under British rule,but also after Indipendence. The building has witnessed signifcant historical events and played a crucial role in administrative afairs during and since that period.
The Writer’s Building is also the witness of a bloody battle in which the freedom fghter trio- Binay Krishna Basu,Badal Gupta,and Dnesh Chandra Gupta(known as Binay-Badal-Dinesh),on 8th December,1930,killed Col.N.S.Simpson,the then Inspector General of Prisons,Bengal.
There are no such customs followed here since the past,but the building stands tall as the symbol of governance of the state of West Bengal.
The restrictions that one would come across if visiting the Writer’s building are baggage scanners,where the bags of the visitors would be scanned. Also,the security around the building is also strengthened to prevent the entry of any sort of unwanted or suspicious personnel like attackers or suicide bombers.
TIMINGS: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (Closed on Sundays) Directions: 15 minutes from
Central Metro Station, Gate No.4
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT
The High Court in Kolkata, India, has a rich history dating back to its establishment on July 1, 1862. It was initially known as the High Court of Judicature at Fort William and was designated as the High Court for the Bengal region during British colonial rule. The architecture of the building is a blend of European and Indo-Gothic styles.
In terms of customs and practices, the High Court in Kolkata, much like other judicial institutions, follows a set of formalities and protocols. The legal proceedings are conducted with a focus on maintaining order according to the rules established by the Constitution of India.
For those who want to visit the High Court premises,there are a set of restrictions which they need to keep in mind. Usage of mobile phones or other electronic devices are strictly prohibited. One must generally be dressed in formals when visiting the High Court. Apart from that, the ones who need to visit the High Court must carry a valid identity proof of themselves,which would be checked right at the entrance.
TIMINGS: 10:30 AM to 01:00 PM, 02:00 PM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
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Directions: 15 minutes from Esplanade Metro Station,by bus
SOUTH PARK STREET CEMETERY
South Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata, India, was established in 1767 and is one of the oldest non-church cemeteries in the world. It is an important historical site, refecting the colonial era. The cemetery houses the graves of various eminent personalities from that period. The architecture of South Park Street Cemetery is a mix Gothic and Indo-Saracenic styles. Gravestones and tombs showcase a mix of European and Indian architectural elements. The designs often include intricate carvings, columns, and arches, refecting the artistic styles of the time.
Speaking of customs and practices,there are nothing as such which are followed in this place nowadays but during the period of British Rule in India,the funerals were carried out here with much grandeur.
There are no such restrictions in case of visiting South Park Street Cemetery, but the only thing that the visitors must keep in mind is to maintain the peace and cultural sensitivity of the place.
TIMINGS: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Directions: 15 minutes from Park Street Metro Station Gate No.1
