The short answer
Curzon Gate (Bijoy Toran): what visitors should know first
Yes, but only as a ten-minute stop. View it from the pavement in the morning, then move on to the temples and tombs. It costs nothing and needs no booking.
History and context
The story behind Curzon Gate (Bijoy Toran)
Construction took place around 1902 to 1903 for the coronation of Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahtab, and the gate became associated with Lord Curzon's 1904 visit. It was originally called the Star of India because of the stars on it, and later renamed Bijoy Toran. The West Bengal Public Works Department has maintained it since 1974.
Useful facts
Curzon Gate (Bijoy Toran) facts at a glance
- Location
- Grand Trunk Road and Bijoy Chand Road crossing, Bardhaman
- Experience type
- Street landmark
- Known for
- Colonial-era arch with eight columns and sculpted figures
- Built
- 1902–1903, by Italian masons
- Time or schedule
- Visible at any time of day
Why it matters
Why Curzon Gate (Bijoy Toran) is worth your time
The gate is the clearest reminder of Bardhaman Raj's closeness to the British in the early twentieth century. It was built to mark the accession of Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahtab, then linked to Lord Curzon's visit, and has since been renamed Bijoy Toran, though almost everyone still uses the colonial name.
It is a useful marker of how the town sees itself: a former princely seat on the Grand Trunk Road, where grand ceremonial architecture meets everyday traffic. Italian masons are credited with the work, which gives the arch an unexpectedly European look amid the Bengal town.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Eight columns
Round columns carry the arch and give it a stately outline.
- 02
Sculpted figures
Three female figures hold swords, boats and sheaves of corn, standing for progress in agriculture and commerce.
- 03
Medallions
The upper section carries 21 circles with illustrations.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Curzon Gate stands at a busy crossing, so plan it as a quick stop rather than a destination. View the arch from the pavement or from your car window, then spend a few minutes looking at the detail: eight round columns, figures holding swords, boats and sheaves of corn, and rows of circular medallions on the upper section.
It is best photographed in the morning, when the sun lights the face and traffic is thinner. Do not step into the roadway for a better angle; the junction is genuinely dangerous at peak hours. If you are travelling by train, it is a convenient first stop, as it lies on the route between the station and the old Raj quarter.
The former royal palace lies roughly a kilometre away, though it is not open as a regular visitor attraction, so treat the gate as the town's colonial-era emblem and move on to the temples and tombs.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- View from the pavement or car, not the roadway
- Visit in the morning for lighter traffic
- Take care at the junction
- Combine with Sarbamangala and Sher Afghan's tomb
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Crossing of Grand Trunk Road and Bijoy Chand Road
- Time needed
- 15–20 minutes
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon light
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- No walking required beyond a short pavement stroll. The only difficulty is heavy traffic at the crossing; view it from a car or the pavement rather than crossing on foot.
- Tickets and access
- Free to see from the road. It is a traffic landmark rather than a ticketed site.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Curzon Gate (Bijoy Toran)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
No walking required beyond a short pavement stroll. The only difficulty is heavy traffic at the crossing; view it from a car or the pavement rather than crossing on foot.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Why is it called Curzon Gate?
It became known by that name after Lord Curzon's 1904 visit to Bardhaman.
Can I go inside or climb it?
It is a free-standing gate in a traffic junction; it is viewed from outside.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it is a roadside monument.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
