|
|
On the death of Queen Victoria in
January 1901, Lord Curzon, who was then Viceroy of India, placed
before the public the question of setting up a fitting memorial
to the Queen. He suggested that the most suitable memorial would
be a "stately", spacious, monumental and grand building
surrounded by an exquisite garden. |
Queen Victoria |
|
Lord Curzon |
This was to be a historical museum
where people could see before them pictures and statues of men
who played a prominent part in the history of this country and
develop a pride in their past. |
|
The princes and people of India responded
generously to his appeal for funds and the total cost of construction
of this monument amounting to one crore, five lakhs of rupees,
was entirely derived from their voluntary subscriptions. |
Sir William Emerson |
|
Vincent J. Esch |
Sir William Emerson, President of
the British Institute of Architects, designed and drew up the
plan of this building, while the work of construction was entrusted
to Messrs. Martin & Co. of Calcutta. Vincent J. Esch was
the superintending architect. |
|
King George V, then the Prince of
Wales, laid the foundation stone on January 4, 1906 and it was
formally opened to the public in 1921. |
Foundation stone laying ceremony of
the Memorial at Calcutta by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales on 4 Jan.
1906. |
|