Jul 23, 2009

The Gateway of India - The most famous monument in Mumbai

Mumbai has many famous monuments. One such famous monument is - The Gateway of India The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, the Gateway is a basalt arch 26 metres (85 ft) high. In earlier times, the Gateway was the monument that visitors arriving by boat would have first seen in the city of Bombay.

The Gateway of India is a symbol of both Hinduism and Islam. This is evident from the architecture of the monument. Most of the architectural style has been derived from the Muslim architectural style. The design pillars have been taken from Hindu temples whereas the design of the gateway's window come from Muslim architectural style. Thus making it a symbol of unity among Hindus and Muslims.

A little about the history behind the Gateway of India - The foundation for Gateway of India was laid in the year 1911 and the whole structure got completed by the year 1924. It was designed and developed by a well know architect during that period named - George Wittet. The main idea behind creating this world class monument was to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Delhi Durbar, in December 1911. And one more historical fact associated with it is - The last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the Gateway in a ceremony on 28 February 1948.

The Gateway of India truly stands as a testimony to the imperial bygone era of the city. It is an architectural wonder in real sense, definitely worth visiting !

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