Gateway of India – The Taj Mahal Of Mumbai
The Gateway of India is the most famous monument of Mumbai and is a top place to visit for all tourist who is visiting the city.
It was built during the 20th century located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai and faces the Arabian Sea. The monument was built to pay respect to King George v and queen mary who visited India in 1911. George Wittet is the architect Who has designed the Gateway of India, he took four years for building the Complete Gateway of India. The foundation stone was laid on 31st March by the governor of Bombay Sir George Sydenham Clarke but the construction of the monument started on 1914 after the final design of George Wittet sanctioned hence it was completely constructed by 1924 and was opened on December 4, 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading.
It was the first monument to be seen by visitors who arrive in India by boat from the west. The Gateway was later the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry and access to India.
Architecture and Design
The Scottish architect George Wittet was the architect of the monument. Its design is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles; the arch is of Muslim style while the decorations are of Hindu style. The monument is built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The stone was locally obtained, and the perforated screens were brought from Gwalior. It has a large and rich arch with 26m height. The whole structure has a central dome of Gateway of India which is 83 feet long with 48 feet diameter and is decorated with intricate latticework. On each side of the arch, there are large halls that can hold 600 people. Opposite the gateway stands the statue of Shivaji, the king who used guerilla warfare to establish the Maratha empire, it the symbol of Maratha’s “pride and courage“. The other statue in the area is that of Swami Vivekananda.
Built right next to the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel, for British arriving for the first time in India, the gateway was a symbol of the “power and majesty” of the British empire. It cost about Rs 2 million to construct it and was borne by the Imperial Government of India. Due to lack of funds, the approach road was never built so it stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.
Best Time to Visit
Mumbai is popular for its hot and humid climate and is frequented by tourists all year round. But the best time to visit is October to March as winters here are pleasant but the monsoon is too wet.
