As India gears up to celebrate its Republic Day, there lies a lesser-explored facet of the nation’s history, its hidden memorials. Beyond the iconic India Gate and Amar Jawan Jyoti, there exist numerous lesser-known memorials that pay homage to the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes. This Republic Day, visit these memorials scattered across the vast landscape of India:
Memorials To Visit For Republic Day
1. Netaji Bhawan, Kolkata
Went to Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata to pay tributes to the brave Subhas Bose.
He undertook numerous measures for the development of Kolkata. #ParakramDivas pic.twitter.com/XdChQG36nk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2021
A heritage structure in Kolkata, Netaji Bhawan, or the home museum built at Subhash Chandra Bose’s brother’s property, serves as a memorial and study centre for the Indian nationalist’s life. Netaji’s epic escape from house detention to Berlin occurred from this location in 1914.
2. Mangal Pandey Park, Barrackpore
The place I belong is where Mangal Pandey showed courage, stood for self respect and sparked the fight for independence.#courage #freedom #mangalpandey #barrackpore #fightforselfrespect pic.twitter.com/P4XuNGgUuP
— Samiran Ghosh (@sensiblyurs) November 13, 2019
Each one of us has read about Mangal Pandey and his role in starting the Indian mutiny in 1857. Dedicated to the first martyr of India, this park signifies the site where people demanded independence for the first time. A visit to this park takes us back to the times when our ancestors sacrificed their lives and faced enormous suffering to give us the freedom we have today. Visit this place this Republic Day.
Also read: Enjoy A Feast Of Freedom With These 14 Best Republic Day Menus Sweeping Across Mumbai, B-Lore & More
3. Lucknow Residency, Lucknow
#Lucknow Residency reflects the ambience of the bygone era of both Nawabi and British periods #UPTWC15 pic.twitter.com/Jsoa5FF7Iz
— UP Tourism (@uptourismgov) October 5, 2015
The official residence of the British Resident to the Court of Awadh, the Lucknow Residency holds an important place in India’s freedom struggle of 1857. Then, the Indian sepoys laid siege to the Lucknow Residency for almost half a year but on July 1, 1857, the British government made this place their headquarters. After the siege by the Indian sepoys, British authorities were held inside the Residency until they received help from Kanpur after about 87 days. After the British forces escaped the city of Kanpur, it came under the control of the rebels making it one of the first victories of the Indians against the British Raj – evoking a feeling of rebellion and desire for freedom among the masses.
4. Aga Khan Palace, Pune
I've been looking forward to book tickets to a monument via @paytminsider, and it finally happened with the Aga Khan Palace on my trip to Pune few weeks ago! cc: @mumbaiheritage#BimblingButNotInBombay pic.twitter.com/OAje3j4Sgd
— Hrishikesh Singh (@bawmbe) December 18, 2019
Situated in the city of Pune by Sultan Aga Khan III, the Aga Khan Palace is one of the most important landmarks in Indian history that has been instrumental in defining its independence. Prominent freedom fighters such as Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Mahatma Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, and many more were held prisoners by the British authorities here.
5. War Cemetery, Imphal
Imphal war cemetery. Photo by Bipujit Khuman. #Manipur #Travel #Photography #IncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/7kBIjCiTF2
— MPC (@MPC_Manipur) June 20, 2015
Imphal, in Manipur, holds a lesser-known but equally solemn memorial – the War Cemetery. This site commemorates the soldiers who fought in the battles of World War II in the region. Amidst the lush landscapes of Manipur, this cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices.
So, which one of these are you visiting this Republic Day?
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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