Quick facts :

Location : Waterfront in South Mumbai, Maharashtra

Built in : Early 20th Century

Foundation Stone : Laid in 1911.

Started in : 1920

Completed in : 1924

Architectural Style : Indo-Sarcenic

Built with : Basalt and Concrete

Inaugurated by : British Viceroy

King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Bombay in the year 1911 was commemorated by building one of the finest examples of an aesthetic combination of Hindu and Islamic architecture named Gateway of India. India revels in the glory of this structure which is the prized possession till date. Built on the water front, in southern Mumbai; it stands majestic and with imperial grace, welcoming those who come to Mumbai from this side of the harbor. The monument not only represents an era, it is considered as one itself. All those people approaching from the city side, witness a regal waterfront of Southern Mumbai. It is a very popular harbor and used by many travelers and tourists who visit other places especially those who go for sightseeing to Elephanta Island. The royal extravaganza of this monument lies in its height which is almost 26 meters and a magnificent dome right at the top, which is 15 metres in its diameter. Built with yellow basalt and concrete, it has primarily Indo-Sarcenic architectural style, reflecting the Muslim architecture which was very popular in Gujarat in the 16th century. The Gateway of India cost 21 lakh rupees in the early 20th century, with major expense born by the Government.

History :

Celebrations that followed the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay were marked by constructing this colossal monument and the foundation stone was laid down by the Governor of then, Sir George Sydenham Clarke, in the year 1911. His plans got approved much later, in the year 1914. Gateway of India was designed by an architect named George Wittet and it took almost four years to complete the structure. It was opened on the 4th December by the Earl of Reading, who was then the Viceroy.

Gateway of India saw its maiden major event; when the Somerset Light Infantry sent its First Battalion right through it. They passed through it and left India after Independence, on the 28th of Feb 1948, followed by a ceremony.