As decided previously the very first destination that I visited in Mumbai was the Gateway of India, which narrates the history of British rule in India. Overlooking the Arabian Sea this giant gateway is located on the waterfront of the Apollo Bunder region in South Mumbai. This mega structure is an arch carved out of basalt rock and acquires a height of 26 meters.
Earlier the Gateway of India was a crude jetty that was used by fishermen but later it was transformed and renovated into a prominent landing place for British governors and officials. In earlier days the first structure that was visible to travelers arriving to Mumbai via waterways was the Gateway of India. It is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal” of Mumbai and is the most preferred tourist destination of the city.
Earlier the Gateway of India was a crude jetty that was used by fishermen but later it was transformed and renovated into a prominent landing place for British governors and officials. In earlier days the first structure that was visible to travelers arriving to Mumbai via waterways was the Gateway of India. It is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal” of Mumbai and is the most preferred tourist destination of the city.
The structure was founded on 31st March 1911 to commemorate the landing of Queen Mary and King George V at Apollo Bunder on the lands of India in the same year. This historic monument is built in Indo- Saracenic style of architecture. Its final design was given by George Wittet and was approved in the year 1914. Hereafter it took 10 long years of unceasing endeavor by expert craftsmen to complete it in the year 1924. This gateway was then used as the ceremonial entrance for viceroys and new governors of Bombay who visited or appointed in India.
Unfortunately this majestic monument has been witness to three terror attacks right from the beginning of the 21st century. It was subject to terror activities twice in 2003 and was used as a disembarkation point by four gunmen who attacked the Taj Mahal Palace and tower in 2008.
The gateway of India is of great historical significance as it serves as a livid monumental memento of the British subjugation and colonialisation on the lands of our motherland for almost a century. This structure erected by the British is a constant reminder of the power and majesty of the British Empire. Due to its historical and cultural relevance lakh of tourists visit this site every year from far off and nearby lands.
The gateway of India is of great historical significance as it serves as a livid monumental memento of the British subjugation and colonialisation on the lands of our motherland for almost a century. This structure erected by the British is a constant reminder of the power and majesty of the British Empire. Due to its historical and cultural relevance lakh of tourists visit this site every year from far off and nearby lands.