Ceremonial Parade At Apollo Bunder Bombay, 1930 Postcard
This rare 1930 photo postcard presents a remarkable view of Apollo Bunder during the British era in Bombay (Mumbai). Looking out across the expanse of Bombay Harbour, the image captures a city that served as India’s principal maritime gateway.
The orderly military formation visible was the Armistice Day parade along the promenade. Armistice Day primarily referred to the annual commemoration of the end of the First World War, marking the armistice signed by the Allies and Germany on 11 November 1918, which ended hostilities on the Western Front.
It honored over one million Indian soldiers who served overseas. They fought in Europe, Mesopotamia (Iraq), East Africa, Gallipoli, Palestine, etc. Tens of thousands of them were killed or wounded.
In the distant foreground is the Ballard Pier, identifiable by its distinctive tower and arched waterfront structure projecting into the harbour. Ballard Pier was a specific cruise ship passenger pier/terminal within Bombay’s port area, built between 1908 and 1918. Previous to that, Apollo Bunder was the landing jetty for passengers arriving from overseas.
From 1914 to 1919, the Bunder was strengthened and enlarged through major reclamation work from the sea. This transformation of a landing jetty into a proper foundation and seawall set the stage for the Gateway of India. The Gateway was officially completed and opened to the public in 1924.
As a historical visual record, this 1930 Bombay Apollo Bunder photograph is more than a picturesque harbour scene—it is a valuable window into Mumbai’s colonial maritime heritage. See the Royal Bombay Yacht Club and an interesting line of elite-looking cars in the photo. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know – Apollo Bunder was originally reclaimed from the sea and made into a fishing harbour, later it became a landing jetty for overseas passengers arriving by steamers.
