Mumbai is the city of workaholics. The song “Dauda Dauda Bhaga Bhaga Sa” perfectly fits Mumbai. Everyone seems in a kind of rush and the city never stops, no matter what. But whenever I think of Mumbai I have this image of Gateway of India. Mumbai’s most famous monument is the most popular monument in Mumbai.
HISTORY
It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The design was sanctioned in 1913 and it was completed only in 1924. When the British Raj ended in 1947, the last of the British ships left from here. Now this monument has become a symbol of the city and attracts hordes of local as well as International tourists. After its construction the gateway was used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to British India for important colonial personnel. It has been called a symbol of "conquest and colonisation" commemorating British colonial legacy. The gateway is also the monument from where the last British troops left India in 1948, following Indian independence.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
This Gateway of India is situated at in the southern Mumbai at the Apollo waterfront Bunder Area. Gateway of India is made of Basalt and reinforced concrete in the shape of an arc. It was designed by George Wittet. It is 26 metres in height. During the British Raj it was the landing place of British governors, officials and passengers. The design of the monument is a mix of Roman triumphal arch and Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. The design of the arch has been inspired by Muslim architecture while the decorations have been done in Hindu style. The stones used were mainly purchased from Gwalior. The dome of Gateway of India is 15 metres in diameter and 26 metres in height. The total structure was made at a hefty price of 21 Lacks (2.5 million dollars) by the Indian government of that time.
INTRESTING FACTS
A trip to Mumbai is incomplete without a visit to the Gateway of India as the place is full of fun and excitement. It can be visited with family and friends or just on your own. It’s a gathering point for locals and a popular spot among youth and couples. You can enjoy the lovely view with Arabian Sea in the background and the world famous architectural marvel Taj Hotel at the forefront, also the famous Marine Drive is at a walking distance. The Mumbai CST station is not far away too. A lot of ferries ply from Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves and the Essel World.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
A lot of people throng this place especially during the weekend and night time. The cool breeze coming from the sea makes this crowded place a lot cooler than the rest of Mumbai. The place offers a beautiful sunset and moonrise view simultaneously, which is kind of unique. The place has a good seating capacity and lot of people can be seen enjoying the lovely view. Though the jostling crowd, traffic and honking takes away a bit of sheen from the place. Along with the ground a lot of vendors are seen pestering the place and heavy presence of beggars is a little disappointing.
Gateway of India has seen a number of terror attacks. It witnessed its first major bomb blast in 2003 which killed many tourists and the last infamous attack on Taj, Mumbai in 2008 where Gateway of India was the arrival point of the terrorists. In these attacks more than 200 people lost their lives and after that Gateway of India wore a deserted look for a few days. Now, the monument has become a site for all kinds of peaceful protests. Candle light marches are a common sight at this historical place.
A visit to gateway of India is a must whenever you go to Mumbai. Enjoy the beautiful view of the sea, food stalls, shop from hawkers or just keep on looking at others and this place will never disappoint you just like the city of Mumbai.
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-NANDINI SAJEEV
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