The Victoria Memorial – Crafted in Markana Marble
The Victoria Memorial is much more than an iconic landmark or historical building in the city of Joy, Kolkata, West Bengal. Made out of the white Markana marble, this magnificent monument stands as a reminder of the city’s colonial and architectural style.
This monument features the Indo-Saracenic revivalist architectural style which displays a blend of Mughal and British elements along with Egyptian, Islamic, Venetian, and Deccani elements. In terms of design, it draws inspiration from the Taj Mahal. The monument has a main central dome, four smaller domes, high portals, domed chaatris of octagonal shape, domed towers at the corners, and terrace.
There are many sculptures surrounding the monument in its lush green and well- maintained garden which is spread over 64 acres. The Angel of Victory, a 16-feet tall figure, stands on top of the central dome. This monument epitomising beauty and elegance was dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria (1819–1901). The Victoria Memorial’s architect was William Emerson (1843–1924), president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The building is 338 by 228 feet (103 by 69 m) and rises to a height of 184 feet and 56 meters.
The gardens of the Victoria Memorial were designed by Lord Redesdale and David Prain. Today, this historical building is one of the top museums in Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial has 25 galleries. It is a house of remarkable collections of paintings, artefacts, weapons, textiles, coins and stamps among others and maintains few possessions of the Queen like her writing desk and chair and scrapbooks.
Rare collection of books is preserved here like the Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam and masterpieces of William Shakespeare.
Victoria Memorial is breathtaking and marvelous, especially at night, when it is illuminated. This monument represents the essence of the Victorian era in the midst of the bustling metro city of Kolkata. Victoria Memorial is an iconic structure that is synonymous with the city of joy!
With inputs from the various online sources
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