"Shaheed Minar, once known as the Ochterlony Monument, is a must-visit landmark in the heart of Kolkata. Built in 1828 to honor Major-General Sir David Ochterlony, it was renamed in 1969 to pay tribute to the martyrs of India’s freedom struggle. Standing 48 metres tall, the monument beautifully blends Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish architectural styles, which makes it stand out on the city’s skyline. Its central location at Esplanade makes it easy to reach, and the lawns around it provide a calm space to relax despite the busy surroundings. While the place is rich in history and offers a glimpse into both colonial times and the independence movement, the nearby roads and areas could be maintained better. Still, it remains an iconic spot worth visiting for tourists to experience Kolkata’s heritage and culture."

Jit Kumar Naskar

"This is Kolkata's one of the most remarkable monument. Please this heritage needs to be maintained well. Please beautify the surrounding and clean the area.
From Wikipedia:- The Shaheed Minar (English: Martyrs' Monument), formerly known as the Ochterlony Monument, is a monument in Kolkata that was erected in 1828 in memory of Major-general Sir David Ochterlony, commander of the British East India Company, to commemorate both his successful defense of Delhi against the Marathas in 1804 and the victory of the East India Company’s armed forces over the Gurkhas in the Anglo-Nepalese War, also known as the Gurkha War. The monument was designed by J. P. Parker and paid for from public funds.On 9 August 1969, it was rededicated to the memory of the martyrs of the Indian freedom movement and renamed the "Shaheed Minar," which means "martyrs' monument" in both Bengali and Hindi, by the then United Front Government in memory of the martyrs of the Indian independence movement. The last people to have been up there were former governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi and his family. Known as the "Cloud kissing Monument" by Mark Twain, the Shaheed Minar is located at Esplanade in Central Kolkata in the north-east facet of the Maidan. The tower is 48 metres (157 ft) high. It has a foundation based on the Egyptian style.

The column is a combination of styles with a classical fluted column, a Syrian upper portion, and a Turkish dome. It has two balconies at the top. The top floor of the minar is accessible by a serpentine staircase, a total of 223 steps. It has a total of 218 steps until the top of the tower.The vast field to the south of Shaheed Minar, is known as the Shaheed Minar Maidan or the Brigade Ground. It has a history of being the site of political rallies and fairs. The first political meeting on the ground was presided over by Rabindranath Tagore to condemn the killings of Santosh Kumar Mitra and Tarakeswar Sengupta by the Indian Imperial Police in 1931. The central bus terminus of the city is around the monument.In 1997, a tourist jumped off the lower balcony of the monument. Since then, police permission is required to climb the steps of the monument. Local residents must submit proof of address and a photo ID at the Lalbazar Police Headquarters, while out-of-town tourists must submit documents from their hotel, and foreigners must submit a copy of their passport.

The monument offers a bird's-eye view of the city.The government has planned to open the monument to the public, after the renovation work is completed. The renovation work was started in late 2011 and will be completed in two phases. The first phase was scheduled to be completed by June 15, 2012, and is said to cost about ₹50 lakhs. There are also plans to illuminate the monument, both from inside and outside, and to give the monument a fresh coat of paint. In the second phase a temporary folding stage will be set up at the foot of the 48-metre (157 ft) tall monument to avoid congestion at the Dorina Crossing during rallies.

After the work is completed, both tourists and locals will have access to the top of the monument. Stalls selling souvenirs will also be set up just in front of the monument, while the pathways leading to it will be cleaned and decorated with flowering plants."

Kunal Ghosh

"Standing tall in the heart of Kolkata, Shaheed Minar is more than just a monument — it’s a silent storyteller of history, rebellion, and resilience. Originally built in 1828 as the Ochterlony Monument to honor a British general, it later shed its colonial past and was renamed Shaheed Minar in 1969, paying tribute to the martyrs of India’s freedom struggle.
With its unique blend of Egyptian, Syrian, and Turkish architectural styles, this 158-ft tall structure dominates the skyline near Esplanade. If you have the stamina to climb its 223 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Kolkata — though public access to the top has been restricted for safety reasons.
Beyond being a historical landmark, Shaheed Minar is also a rallying point for political meetings and protests, earning it the nickname "Kolkata’s Speaker’s Corner". From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to modern-day political leaders, this place has heard fiery speeches that shaped Bengal’s socio-political landscape.
Interesting Facts:
1. Originally named after Sir David Ochterlony, it was renamed Shaheed Minar by the West Bengal government in honor of Indian martyrs.
2. It is one of the tallest structures in Kolkata, standing at 158 feet (48 meters).
3. The monument has seen historic political rallies, including speeches by Netaji and Mahatma Gandhi.

Verdict: A monument that has seen colonial rule, independence, and democracy in action.
Pro tip: Visit during sunset when the monument is beautifully illuminated!"

Rajdeep Dutta