Gateway of India Gateway of India The Gateway of India is located at the port of Apollo in the Colaba area of Mumbai. It is one of the ...
Gateway of India
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| Gateway of India |
The Gateway of India is located at the port of Apollo in the Colaba area of Mumbai. It is one of the most popular and main tourist attraction in Mumbai, it is an unofficial landmark of the city of Mumbai and is reminiscent of the history of rich colonies like Mumbai. The first structure to welcome tourists entering the city by sea is also known as 'Mumbai's Taj Mahal'. The Gateway of India is on the water's edge at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg. Locals and tourists visit this place. The Gateway of India offers a breathtaking view of the sea filled with boats. Elephanta Caves can also be reached by sea. Formerly the 'Elephanta Festival of Music and Dance' was held in the Elephanta Caves, now it is held in March every year in front of the Gateway of India.
Gateway of India | gateway of india information english
History of Gateway of India
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| Establishing gateway of India 1911 |
The Gateway of India was created in December 1911 in honor of the visit of Emperor George V and Queen Mary to India, who was proclaimed King and Queen of India. The foundation stone of the monument was laid on 31st March, 1911 by Sir George Sydenham Clark, Governor of Mumbai. A cardboard model of the proposed structure was presented to the Royal Visitors, and the final design by Scottish architect George Wittet was approved on 31 March 1914. Land acquisition for the construction of the gateway and new sea wall at the port of Apollo began in 1915. After the land rehabilitation was completed in 1919, the actual construction started and it was completed in 1924. The road to the gateway was never built due to lack of funds.
The Taj Mahal Hotel, adjacent to the Gateway of India, was built by Jamshedji Tata.
Architecture and design of Gateway of India
The Gateway of India was designed by Scottish architect George Witt and built by Gamon India Limited. Gammon India Limited was the only company at that time to obtain ISO 9001: 1994 certification in all fields of civil engineering. The foundation is built of concrete with yellow basalt stones. The stones required for this were brought from the local region. The latticed windows were brought from Gwalior. The Gateway of India stands at the port of Apollo, facing Mumbai Harbor.
The design of the Gateway of India is basically a triumphant arch, built primarily in the Indo-Serasenic architectural style with some Muslim elements. This architecture was started by the British during their rule in India and includes various elements of Hindu and Muslim architecture. These include angular arches, domes, pointed towers, minarets, and stained glass. The rectangular structure has three sections. The central arch of the structure is 85 feet high. The central block has a dome 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet high. On each side of the arch, there are large arched halls covered with carved stone curtains, each of which can accommodate 600 people. The central dome is connected by 4 turrets and is decorated with netting, this dome is the main feature of the entire structure of Gateway of India. The back steps of the gateway lead directly into the Arabian Sea. Here you can see an impressive view of the Arabian Sea, full of fishing boats as well as luxury boats.
The luminous structure above the Taj Mahal Hotel and Gateway of India at night gives a breathtaking experience. On January 26, 1961, a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated in front of the entrance as a symbol of Maratha pride and glory. A statue of Swami Vivekananda was erected nearby to commemorate Swami Vivekananda's journey from Mumbai to Chicago for the World Parliament of Religions.
Importance of Gateway of India
Although the Gateway of India was built for the coronation of King George, it is also a symbol of the British withdrawal from India. This was indicated on 28 February 1948 when the 1st Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry withdrew.
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