Who were the lascars? Here at the Lascar War Memorial, their story unfolds. The Lascar War Memorial, a towering testament to forgotten heroes, stands proudly on Napier Road in Kolkata’s Hastings area. It commemorates the 896 lascars who perished in World War I. These weren’t soldiers in the traditional sense, but sailors from the Indian subcontinent serving on British ships. The term “lascar” itself has a rich history, derived from Persian and Arabic words for soldier or guard. It became a common term for sailors from the East, employed on European vessels for centuries. The Lascar War Memorial is a striking example of Indo-Mughal architecture. It was designed by William Ingram Keir, the architect behind several notable structures in Kolkata, including Kidderpore Bridge and the replacement spire for St. Paul’s Cathedral. Completed in 1924, the memorial stands 100 feet tall, its four sides adorned with projections resembling the prows of ancient galleys. The memorial’s design evokes the maritime connection of the lascars, with wavy lines symbolizing the ocean’s embrace. Atop the structure, four minarets and a gilded dome add an air of grandeur. Inside, three plaques tell the story. One marks the unveiling by Lord Lytton, another lists the names of the fallen lascars, and a third details the memorial’s restoration. The memorial was nearly lost to time, neglected for decades after Indian independence. But in 1994, Commodore B K Mohanti spearheaded a restoration effort, bringing the monument back to its former glory. Today, the Lascar War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of these brave seamen. Their sacrifice during World War I is finally recognized, ensuring their story continues to be told here, in the heart of Kolkata.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to