Curzon Gate, Bardhaman

The Curzon Gate is a prominent landmark in Bardhaman city in Purba Bardhaman district in West Bengal, India,

Curzon Gate
Curzon Gate
Alternative namesBijoy Toran
General information
LocationBardhaman, India
Coordinates23.2404°N 87.8675°E / 23.2404; 87.8675
Construction started1902/1903
OwnerPublic Works Department, Government of West Bengal

Located at the crossing of Bijoy Chand Road and Grand Trunk Road, it was built in 1902/1903, on the occasion of the coronation of Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahatab as ruler of the Bardhaman Raj. The former royal palace is located 1 km from the gate.[1][2]

The pomp and grandeur of Lord Curzon’s visit to Bardhaman in 1904 established the name of the gate as Curzon Gate.[1]

The gate arch is supported by eight circular columns. Three female figurines, with swords, boats, and sheaves of corn in their hands, on the arch signify progress in agriculture and commerce. There are twenty-one circles with twenty-one illustrations at the top portion of the gate. Due to presence of stars in the gate it was initially named 'Star Of India' when it was built. The structure was constructed by masons from Italy.[1]

After the Bardhaman Raj was incorporated into the newly independent India, the gate was referred to as Bijoy Toran, but it is still popularly known as Curzon Gate, with the Bengali pronunciation – Karjon Gate. Since 1974, the gate has been maintained by the Public Works Department of the Government of West Bengal.[1]

References

  1. "Census of India 2011: District Census Handbook, Barddhaman, Series-20, Part-XIIB" (PDF). Motif. Diretorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  2. "Curzon Gate, Bardhaman". Weekend Destinations. Holidify. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
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