Every person dreams to visit Mumbai once in a lifetime for it is a showcase of vivid cultures and home to best talents in the world. Each street and corner of this city has a story to tell. But driving through the PJ Ramchandani road, getting awestruck by the beauty and serenity of Hotel Taj, one spots an even bigger masterpiece of architecture- The Gateway of India. Often listed among the best monuments in Mumbai, the gateway of India is a thing of beauty so much so that it is usually said to be the Taj Mahal of Mumbai.
About the architecture
- This yellow Basal triumphal arch monument, built in Indo- Seracenic style, was erected for the commemoration of King George V and Queen Mary’s arrival to India in 1911 prior to the Delhi Durbar in December 1911 at Apollo b However only a cardboard model was there for them as the construction basically started in 1915. The monument design was approved in 1913 and was completed by 1924 subsequently opening it for the public. It was built by Gammon India and was later used for ceremonial entrance of governors of Bombay and viceroys.
- Its design has Indo- Seracenic with traces of Islamic architecture and imparts a sense of power. It stands 26 meters tall and its central dome is 48 feet in diameter. Speculations often suggest that around 2 million US dollars ($32000 adjusted for inflation) was spent for its erection. Scottish architect George Wittet designed it, essentially facing the Arabian Sea which was the conventional path during that time
- It is located on the Sea shore right opposite the Taj Hotel. Its location was decided considering the fact that it should allows imports and exports of goods and other things safely for sea routes.
Significance of the Gateway of India
- Apart from being an architectural masterpiece, the gateway of India is a signature of India’s independence. Now, this may sound absurd but the truth is that, the last British troops marched through it to leave India in 1948. This has made it, in spite being in commemoration of some British royalty, a great symbol of independence and pride.
- It is safe to say that this monument has witnessed most of India’s historic moments. Whether it be the British taking off from India or the terrorist attacks on the Taj Hotel.
- It stands tall to remind each Indian that we indeed, owe our lives to our country and its safety.