Aerial View of Bombay In The British Era, 1855 Photo
An 1885 photo with an aerial view of Bombay during the British Era. The photo shows a magnificent view over the Bombay skyline, then known as the European city of the East. Partially visible is the Esplanade Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road) leading to the Flora Fountain intersection. Another road that leads to the intersection seen on the right is the Hornby Road (D N Road).
The street is lined with shady trees a lone tram seems to be on its way. Faintly discernible at the back are the unmistakable domes of Victoria Terminus and the Municipal Corporation Building. At the far end is probably the city’s harbour. In Bombay, the British normally incorporated a mixture of European and Indian styles of architecture. Likewise was the case in most parts of India. Especially that of the British Presidencies of Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
Because the cities came under the direct rule of the British. Sir Bartle Frere is to be credited with the transformation of Bombay. Governor Frere, in 1862, tore down the walls of the Fort. He thereby freed up large tracts of land for building. Devising a master plan for the city, and implementing his vision during his five-year tenure. He left Mumbai in 1887 before most of the buildings he planned were complete. But the stamp he left on the city is inerasable to this day.
Did you know – under Bartle Frere’s governorship, Mumbai was transformed into a thriving trading port and commercial center. And into a colonial town of high architectural accomplishment.
From the collection – 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#12)., Fort William & Red Road Calcutta, Old PC 1900., The Madras Iron Pier – Old Print 1863., First Narrow Gauge Railway In India, Old Print 1863.
