Gateway of India Mumbai
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  • Tue Mar 1706745600

General Information About Gateway Of India Mumbai:

  • Location: South Mumbai
  • Inaugurated in: 1924 AD
  • Highlight: It is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
  • Founded In: Early 20th century,
  • Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic

More Information About Gateway Of India Mumbai:

 

Mumbai’s most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai’s splendid natural harbour.Gateway of India is the landmark of Mumbai city and most of the tourists commence their trip by visiting this monument. It is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. The gateway is an arch with a height of 26 meters and is made up of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. Gateway of India is an architectural marvel and belongs to Indo-Saracenic architectural style, with some elements derived from the Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat. One of the most prized possessions of the country, the Gateway of India is situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai. Anyone coming to Mumbai from this harbor is greeted by the huge monument, which stands as a testimony to the imperial bygone era of the city. As you pass through the gate from the city side, the first scene that looms into view is that of the waterfront of South Mumbai. A popular harbor, it is used by a large number of people for traveling to the other parts of Bombay, especially the Elephanta Island.

The foundation stone of the Gateway of India was laid down by the then Governor of Bombay (Mumbai) on March 31st 1913. The total cost of building the arch was around 21 Lakhs. The Gateway of India is 26 meters high and 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. The Gateway is a huge stone Arch of Triumph originally constructed to commemorates the first-ever visit of a British Monarch to India. King George V and his consort Queeen Mary came ashore near here in December, 1911. The foundations were laid in December 1913, but from then until 1919 construction of a seawall and reclarmation of the land from the sea interrupted the project. Construction of the monument was finally begun in May 1920, and it was formally opened in December 1924. It is built of a yellow Kharodi basalt from nearby quarries. The central dome has a diameter of 48 ft, (14.4m); it is 83 ft (24.9m) to its apex. It was designed by the Scotsman George Wittet (1878-1926), who helped popularize the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture that combined Gothic-like flamboyance with Muslim-Indian architectural features. Wittet also designed the nearby Prince of Wales Museum, the King Edward Memorial Hospital and the Institute of Science, among other significant buildings. The Gateway is a traditional-style triumphal arch based on 16th century Muslim styles of Gujarat. The last British troops formally to leave India formal passed through its archway in February, 1948. Since then it has become a much appreciated symbol of Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The construction of the Gateway of India led to the displacement of the harbor and it had to be completely realigned. The monument was constructed in the early 20th century, at the astronomical price of 21 lakh rupees. The major burden of the cost was undertaken by the Government of India. However, even the 21 lakh rupees could not prove sufficient and the idea of constructing an approach road from the monument had to be discarded. The construction work of Gateway of India was undertaken by Gammon India Limited, established by J C Gammon.

History About Gateway Of India Mumbai:

 

The construction of the gateway 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. 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. The main idea behind the construction of the Gateway of India was to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Sir George Sydenham Clarke, the then Governor of Bombay, laid down the foundation stone of the monument in March 1911. However, his plan was approved in 1914 and the reclamations at Apollo Bundar got completed in 1919. Designed by George Wittet, an architect, Gateway of India took approximately 4 years (1920 to 1924) to get fully completed.

First Major Event At Gateway Of India Mumbai:

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. The first major event that took place at the Gateway of India was the passing of the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry. They were the last troops of the British to leave India after independence. The ceremony was conducted on 28th February 1948.This majestic gateway has always been the centre of attraction for one and all. Moreover, the large expanse of the Arabian Sea visible from the monument makes the entire view simply overwhelming. This makes Gateway of India, the most visited spot in Mumbai. At the back of the Gateway, there are steps leading into the sea, where motor boats rest to take the visitors on a ride to Elephanta Islands. Moreover, a short cruise through the natural harbor of Mumbai is absolutely refreshing.

How to Reach Gateway Of India Mumbai:

One can easily reach Gateway of India by hiring taxis or autos, or by boarding buses or trains from the city.