Shaheed Minar

শহীদ মিনার

Also known as Ochterlony Monument.

A 48-metre column of 1828 at the edge of the Maidan.

About Shaheed Minar

Raised in 1828 as the Ochterlony Monument in memory of Sir David Ochterlony, the column mixes styles: an Egyptian base, a Syrian shaft and a Turkish dome. In 1969 it was rededicated to the martyrs of the freedom movement and renamed Shaheed Minar. The ground at its foot is the city’s traditional place for political rallies.

Why visit

A landmark every Kolkatan steers by.

What to see and do

The column from the Maidan side
The bus terminus and rally ground around it

Plan your visit

Area: Esplanade & New Market, Central Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Esplanade bus terminus
Best time: Morning or evening. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 15 minutes
Cost: Free
Entry: Seen from the public road only. Seen from the ground. Climbing the tower is not open to the general public.
Metro: Esplanade (Blue and Green Lines)
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Good for photography.

Nearby and related places

Tipu Sultan Mosque: A many-domed mosque built by Tipu Sultan’s son in the 1840s.
K.C. Das: The rosogolla family’s shop at Esplanade.
Dacres Lane: The office district’s lunch alley.
New Market (Hogg Market): A Victorian market hall of 1874 with a clock tower.
Nizam’s: The restaurant credited with inventing the kathi roll.
Aminia: A 1929 Mughlai house for Kolkata biryani and mutton pasinda.

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.