Interactive Panorama: GATEWAY OF INDIA

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.”

- Robert Frost

In front of Gateway of India

Gateway of India is the most famous landmark of Mumbai.. This beautiful monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, en route to Delhi.

It is located on the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai. This majestic gateway is just like India Gate in New Dehli and Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Suneel Gudipati in front of Taj hotel

OVERVIEW:

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.

The foundation stone was laid on 31 March 1911, by the Governor of Bombay Sir George Sydenham Clarke, with the final design of George Wittet sanctioned in August 1914. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Bundar (Port) for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920, and construction was finished in 1924. The Gateway was opened on 4 December 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading. Gammon India claims that it did India's first pre-cast reinforced concrete job for the foundation of the Gateway of India.

The last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway on 28 February 1948.

ARCHITECTURE:

The Gateway is a basalt arch 26 metres (85 ft) high. Its design is a combination of both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, the arch is in Muslim style while the decorations are in Hindu style. The Gateway is built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The stone was locally obtained, and the perforated screens were brought from Gwalior. The central dome is 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter and is 26 metres (85 ft) 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 was Rs. 21 lakhs (2,100,000), borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and so the Gateway stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

• In the year 1947, when the British rule came to an end, this colonial building became a symbol of the British Raj.
• The last British troop that left India, First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry passed through the Gateway of India on 28 February 1948.
• Thus , it became a notable historical monument.

The Gateway of India as seen from the harbour.

VISITING PLACES:

• This monument is a major tourist attraction and attracts huge crowds during late evenings.
• The area around the gateway is busy, busy, busy! People will try to sell you giagantic balloons, ice creams, boat trips (to the Elephanta Caves), postcards, photographs, jewellery etc.,
• Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can enjoy yourself by hiring one of the little motor launches available at the gateway of India.
• This is where you must come to get a boat to Elephanta caves.
• 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.

GETTING THERE:

• Easily accessible by car or bus. Nearest bus stop- Regal cinema or Prince of Wales Museum. Five minutes walk from bus stop.
• Nearest railway station- Church Gate or VT - Both stations around 2 kms away.