If you are visiting India or even a resident of the country, you haven’t seen it all unless you visit Mumbai. The city is deemed the commercial Capital of the country and houses some of the many marvels it has to offer. Quite the metropolitan in every sense of the word today, Mumbai has come a long way since the time a collection of seven small islands on the west coast of India were known as Bombay. It is amongst the most populous cities in the world. Through history this small island has been under the rules of the Maurya Empire and the Silhara dynasty, who built a number of Buddhist and Hindu monuments, the Islamic rule, Portuguese rule and lastly the British monarchy, who built a large number of buildings that have a then trendy gothic and Victorian influence. Thus, it comes as no surprise that you come across historic monuments and sites that are worlds apart from each other.
The Elephanta caves are one of the must-see ancient sites in Mumbai. Located about 10 kilometers from the Gateway of India by waterway, there are many waterboats at Apollo Bunder that can take you right to the temple. The site is renowned as an architectural marvel, as the entire temple is a huge sculpture carved out of a single rock. The whole temple is dedicated to the praises of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The built site covers a large area of about sixty thousand square feet. This includes the main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards and a number of subsidiary shrines. There is a fascinating hall built with 20 pillars, the Shiva Linga at the western end of the temple, and an enormous 20 feet tall carving of Lord Shiva at his Sadasiva manifestation at the north south axis that are worth a visit. The temple has three entrances and bears a natural rock on the peak.
Fully functional even after two centuries, the Victoria Terminus which is now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only standing functional structure in the world making the UNESCO list. The Victorian Gothic style architecture style of this structure is unparalleled in magnificence. In fact, even today many architectural design firms of the country yearn to recreate this style for their clients and fail. Designed by architect, Frederick William Stevens, the huge structute was made to look like the St Pancras Station in London. While the construction of the site started in the 1878, it was fully operational only after ten years and opened to the public in 1882. The building has spectacular stone domes, pointed arches, wood carvings, brass railings and an unusual ground plan.
No article about historical sites or architectural design in Mumbai would be complete without the mention of Gateway of India. Located in Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the great Arabian Sea. This monument way built during the British Raj to commemorate the landing of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary at Mumbai in 1911. The architectural style used to build the structure is Indo-Saracenic. The monument is also symbolic of the end of British rule as the last British troops that left the country following independence passed through the gateway. The central dome is 15 metres in diameter and 25 metres in height with large halls on both sides that can hold up to six hundred people.
There are many architectural design firms in Mumbai that take inspiration from the city’s history. The various influences Mumbai has had from its many rulers are intriguing to locals as well as visitors.
The Elephanta caves are one of the must-see ancient sites in Mumbai. Located about 10 kilometers from the Gateway of India by waterway, there are many waterboats at Apollo Bunder that can take you right to the temple. The site is renowned as an architectural marvel, as the entire temple is a huge sculpture carved out of a single rock. The whole temple is dedicated to the praises of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The built site covers a large area of about sixty thousand square feet. This includes the main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards and a number of subsidiary shrines. There is a fascinating hall built with 20 pillars, the Shiva Linga at the western end of the temple, and an enormous 20 feet tall carving of Lord Shiva at his Sadasiva manifestation at the north south axis that are worth a visit. The temple has three entrances and bears a natural rock on the peak.
Fully functional even after two centuries, the Victoria Terminus which is now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only standing functional structure in the world making the UNESCO list. The Victorian Gothic style architecture style of this structure is unparalleled in magnificence. In fact, even today many architectural design firms of the country yearn to recreate this style for their clients and fail. Designed by architect, Frederick William Stevens, the huge structute was made to look like the St Pancras Station in London. While the construction of the site started in the 1878, it was fully operational only after ten years and opened to the public in 1882. The building has spectacular stone domes, pointed arches, wood carvings, brass railings and an unusual ground plan.
No article about historical sites or architectural design in Mumbai would be complete without the mention of Gateway of India. Located in Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the great Arabian Sea. This monument way built during the British Raj to commemorate the landing of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary at Mumbai in 1911. The architectural style used to build the structure is Indo-Saracenic. The monument is also symbolic of the end of British rule as the last British troops that left the country following independence passed through the gateway. The central dome is 15 metres in diameter and 25 metres in height with large halls on both sides that can hold up to six hundred people.
There are many architectural design firms in Mumbai that take inspiration from the city’s history. The various influences Mumbai has had from its many rulers are intriguing to locals as well as visitors.
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