Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple Cupola War memorial

Did the imposing Kathipara Flyover always overshadow this tranquil spot? Here, beside the roaring traffic, rests the Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple Cupola War Memorial. A serene dome of white, a stark contrast to the grey concrete jungle around it. The Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple Cupola War Memorial is more than just a monument. It’s a poignant echo of a life dedicated to service and a testament to the respect he commanded. Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple, of the Madras Artillery, arrived in India in 1790. Over 30 years, he participated in every major military operation of the Madras Presidency. His contributions were so significant that upon his death in 1821, his fellow officers, not the British government, commissioned this memorial. The Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple Cupola War Memorial is unique for this very reason. It speaks volumes about the man’s character and the high esteem in which he was held. Imagine the scene in 1821: a grand funeral procession, led by the Commander-in-Chief himself, Sir Thomas Hislop, with the entire garrison of Fort St. George in attendance. The inscription on the black marble plaque at the Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple Cupola War Memorial only hints at his distinguished career. It mentions “valuable services,” a modest understatement for a man who dedicated his life to the army. While his remains lie in St. George’s Cathedral Cemetery, this cupola stands as a public tribute. Over the years, the city grew around the Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple Cupola War Memorial. The vast open spaces transformed into bustling roads and the metro station. Even the writer and Indologist William Dalrymple, a descendant of Lt. Col. Dalrymple, visited this memorial in 2009, connecting with his family’s history. Today, the Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple Cupola War Memorial serves as a quiet reminder of the past, a peaceful oasis in the heart of a modern metropolis.