Monument Name Gateway of India Location Mumbai State Maharashtra Timings Coordinates 18.9225, 72.8344 Wikipedia Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_of_India Entrance Fee Other Details Other Langauge Names Hindi: भारत का गेटवे Marathi: गतेवाय ऑफ इंडिया

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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 architecture of the Gateway of India comprises of a huge arch, which is approximately 26 m in height. The entire structure has been made by using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. It has mainly been constructed as per the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. One can also find the features of the Muslim architectural styles that were very much popular in Gujarat in the 16th century. The top of the monument stands adorned with a central dome, which has a diameter of 15 m.

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

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

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.

Gateway of India The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of the King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911 AD. The foundation stone was laid on 31st March 1911 AD. The splendid gateway was designed by George Wittet and his design was sanctioned in August 1911 AD. It is built in the Indo-saracenic style integrating local style of architecture also and adoptingfrom the Muslims of Gujarat. Between 1915 AD and 1919 AD, the work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920.

The gateway was built of yellow kharodi basalt and reiforced concrete. The cost of the construction of the gateway came to about Rupes 21,0000, which was given mainly by the government. The approach road was never built due to scarcity of funds and the gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it. The whole seaport front was realigned so that it comes in line with designed promenade, which would sweep down to the middle of the town. The height of the central dome is 48 ft in diameter and rises 83 ft above the ground at its highest point. The has four turets and decorated with intricate lattice work carved into the yellow basalt stone. Gateway of India 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 Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch,King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The Gateway was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st,1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1924. It is a 26m high structure,complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone.

The gateway is a combination of European and Indian ceremonial architecture. The last British troops marched out through this gate when India became independent in 1947.

Gateway of India

Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket in 1911. It consists of a central hall with great archways, and side halls which can accommodate 600 people. The design, by the English architect Wittet, is based on the 16th century Gujarat style.

The rains in Bombay, which are torrential at times, last from June to August (Monsoon Season). The two months - May and October - which come immediately before and after the monsoon are inclined to be humid and sticky. The period from November to March is extremely pleasant, light woollens being sometimes necessary in December and January.