Bombay High Court In British Era, 1880 Photo
An 1880 photo of the Bombay High Court during the British era. The High Court is located in the Fort area of Bombay (Mumbai). Neighbouring Flora Fountain, Horniman Circle, Azad Maidan, Churchgate, etc. Nariman Point, Colaba, Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Bombay Docks, etc, are not too far off from the High Court. This imposing law office was constructed within the precincts occupied by the old Fort walls.
In the early 1860s, Governor Bartle Frere decided to demolish the fort walls. For the sake of acquiring more space for the city. This consequently led to the construction of many landmark buildings, as mentioned earlier. Thus began the Victorian Gothic era construction in the city from this period onwards. The Bombay High court opened its doors in 1878. This fortress-like building was designed by Colonel J A Fuller of the Royal Engineers.
It was planned as a highly serviceable structure. It has a grand central staircase, well-appointed courtrooms, and a large library. The original PWD-designed neo-Gothic furniture and fittings are still in use. The Calcutta High Court and the Madras High Court all under the jurisdiction of the three British-era Presidencies, opened their doors in 1872 and 1892 respectively. Click on the photo for better view.
Did you know – the Bombay High Court building is the second largest British-era building after Victoria Terminus.
From the collection – Vintage Oleograph Raja Ravi Varma “Vishnu On Sheshnag”., North View Of Bangalore Fort, Old 1794 Print., British India Era Servants, Old PC 1912., Old Book 1887, Dupleix And The Empire Of India.