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Victoria Memorial was the brainchild of
Lord Curzon. He introduced a broad outline of his vision within
days of Queen Victoria's death in 1901. The proposed building
was to be a tribute to Queen Victoria who was the first British
monarch to be awarded the title of Queen-Empress of India in
1877. Not only that, it was according to Lord Curzon " a
standing record of our wonderful history, a visible monument
of Indian glories" emphasizing on recent centuries in an
unbiased manner. To quote Lord Curzon again " I should not
hesitate for a moment to include those who have fought against
the British, provided that their memories are not sullied with
dishonour or crime." [Source: Philippa Vaughan Ed. The Victoria
Memorial Hall Conception, Collection, Conservation (1997, Marg
Publications)]
Sir William Emerson, president of the British
Institute of Architects, was asked to design the building in
the Italian Renaissance style. Emerson incorporated Mughal elements
as he was against the exclusive use of European styles. Vincent
Esch was the Superintending architect. Lord Redesdale and Sir
David Prain designed the gardens. The work of construction was
entrusted to Messrs Martin & Co. of Calcutta (Kolkata)
In 1903 the " Victoria Memorial Act"
was placed on the Statute Book with the assent of the Governor-General
to provide for the erection of and management of the Victoria
Memorial. Funds were raised by public subscription.
Lord Curzon wanted the memorial to be made
of marble. Marble was brought from Makrana in the erstwhile Jodhpur
State. The Jodhpur State gave a 75% rebate on duties and railway
companies carried the marble for free. 196080cft of marble was
brought from Makrana.It has been estimated that a goods train
17 miles long would be required to carry all the material in
VM including the marble, stone, bricks and concrete.
The first sod for the excavation of the
foundation was turned on 27.01.1904. The foundation stone was
laid by George, Prince of Wales (George V) in 1906. Construction
began in earnest in 1910. The thickness of the concrete bed all
over the foundation is 4ft. Due to the weight of the dome the
thickness of the concrete bed in the center is 7ft. the extra
3ft of the center bed is composed of steel girders 10" X
4 ½" and cement. There is an equal loading of 30cwt
per square foot over the foundations. The load on the foundation
is spread by rolled steel joists set in concrete.
The building is "H" shaped, the
ends being joined by curved colonnades. The main entrance is
from the north. There is a terrace 396ft long and 283ft broad
which 8ft above ground level and 28ft 6inches in width. The building
floor level is 4ft 6inches higher than the terrace. The overall
length and breadth of the building is 338ft by 288ft. the height
of the memorial is 200ft including the Angel of Victory. The
total weight of VM is 80300 tons.
This temporary exhibition highlights the
stages of construction with photos & sketches. One of the
finest thinkers of the 20th Century Edward Said after visiting
VM commented - "All the arrogance & posturing of Empire,
now part of a free India" - 19.12.1997. (Source: VM VIP
Visitor's Book). Prof Roger Owen an eminent Economic Historian
wrote - "An inspiring popular museum. How good to find a
monument so well used and so well cared for. The grounds too
provide succor". (Source: VM VIP Visitor's Book)
Today VM is the most easily recognizable
landmark in Kolkata (Calcutta). Even though it is a relic of
the Raj, it has been mercifully spared a great amount of tinkering.
Efforts are on to preserve this magnificent edifice for future
generations.
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