1895 Photo of Victoria Gardens During The Colonial Era In Bombay
This rare 1900 photograph captures the wide central walk of Victoria Gardens in Bombay (Mumbai), lined with lush plants and trees on both sides. Known today as Jijamata Udyan or Byculla Zoo, Victoria Gardens was once the largest and most popular public garden in Bombay.
Named after Queen Victoria, the garden spans about 50 acres and is located near Byculla railway station, east of Parel Road. It was officially opened to the public in November 1862, with Lady Frere, wife of the then Governor of Bombay, presiding over the ceremony.
The history of Victoria Gardens is tied to the Agro-Horticulture Society of Western India (founded in 1830). Originally, the society was given land in Sewri in 1835 to establish botanical gardens. However, this land was later reclaimed in 1862 to make space for a European cemetery. In exchange, the society received 33 acres at the present site in Byculla, which was later expanded by another 15 acres, giving the garden its impressive scale.
For generations, Victoria Gardens has remained a green oasis in the heart of Mumbai, combining botanical displays, landscaped pathways, and zoological attractions. Click photo to enlarge.
Did you know- in a slightly later period, a clock tower and a museum were added to the garden, which is now officially known as “Jijamata Bhonsle Udyan.”
From the collection- Drawing Hiding The Taj Mahal WW2., Flora Fountain & Trams Bombay, 3 Old PC 1900s.
