Gate Way Of India, Mumbai
Gateway Of India, Mumbai
The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of the King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911 AD. The foundation stone was laid on 31st March 1911 AD. The splendid gateway was designed by George Wittet and his design was sanctioned in August 1911 AD. It is built in the Indo-saracenic style integrating local style of architecture also and adopting from the Muslims of Gujarat. Between 1915 AD and 1919 AD, the work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920.
The gateway was built of yellow kharodi basalt and reiforced concrete. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town. The cost of the construction of the gateway came to about Rupes 21,0000, which was given mainly by the government. The approach road was never built due to scarcity of funds and the gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it. The whole seaport front was realigned so that it comes in line with designed promenade, which would sweep down to the middle of the town. The Gateway of India is coupled with four turrets. There are beautiful and complex latticework carved on stones. The mark of Gujarati architecture can also be seen on the monument. It is said that this awesome structure is a blend of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and a Moorish palace. It is decorated with intricate lattice work carved into the yellow basalt stone.
Side View
Gate way of India construction was done by J C Gammon (Bombay) Pvt Ltd which is the only ISO 9001: 1994 certified company.The construction was completed in 1924 AD and it was opened on December 4, 1924 AD by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.
When the British rule ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of a memorial. The last British troop that left India, First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the Gateway of India on 28 February 1948.
Cruise ferry at the dock next to the Gateway of India
Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised and draws a lot of local tourists and citizens. Behind the arch are the steps leading down to the water. The Gateway of India was starting point for the tourists who come to Mumbai. It is one of the finest example of colonial architectural heritage in India.
You can enjoy yourself by hiring one of the little motor launches available at the gateway of India. These launches provide short cruises around the active city of Mumbai. Views from these cruises are beautiful and stunning, offering unforgettable memories that stay for a long time with you.
The Gateway of India is surrounded by some of the most reputed hotels in India like the Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India. The statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda, stand here adding to the appeal of this monument.
Taj hotel near Gateway of India View from Sea
Night View
Sidewalk at the Gateway of India, opposide the Taj Mahal Hotel
View from Taj
High Tide Time
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
