Construction Of The Gateway of India Bombay, 1923 Photo
A rare 1923 photo of the construction of the Gateway of India in Bombay (now Mumbai). The Gateway was built at Apollo Bunder. At one time, the Bunder was a pier for passengers alighting from steamships. In 1911, a royal ship brought one of the most famous of the passengers, the king and queen of England.
Alighting at Apollo Bunder, King George V and Queen Mary were on their way to the Delhi Durbar. They were the only British Monarch to visit India during the era of the British Raj. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate this visit. The Royal visit also had great importance, for King George V would announce New Delhi as the new capital of India at the durbar.
George Wittet had designed the Gateway of India. He had also designed the temporary but impressive triumphal arch and the grandstand during the royal visit. Wittet had a great deal of experience with his design of the Prince of Wales Museum and the Royal Institute of Science. Work commenced on the Gateway of India in 1913 and was completed in 1924. To accommodate its large foundation, the Apollo Bunder was further enlarged by reclamation. The Taj Mahal Hotel and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club are in its immediate neighbourhood.
Did you know – it was the wish of King George, before returning from his successful trip to India, to erect a permanent structure on the occasion. The King was impressed by Wittet’s triumphal arch and grandstand.
Past posts – Raja Ravi Varma’s Wife Bhageerathi Bayi, Rare 1870 Photo., Basket Mart & Tram Chennai – Old Postcard 1900., Beginning Of India’s Aviation, 1912 Print., Grand Hotel & Cars In Calcutta, Old Photo 1927.
