Early View Of Flora Fountain In 19th Century Bombay, 1880 Photo
An 1880 photo with an early view of Flora Fountain in 9th-century Bombay (Mumbai). The view is when looking towards Esplanade Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road). This is a strikingly beautiful view of the 19th-century Flora Fountain and its intersection. Flora Fountain is an intersection of Hornby Road (D N Road) and Esplanade Road (M G Road)…
The hauntingly empty look radiates a surreal look. Regardless, it is unlike what it looks like today, the place is jam-packed with traffic and people. The curved building seen in the foreground is the Old Oriental Building. It was a school before it was occupied by the insurance office. Since the threat from enemies receded greatly, Bartle Frere, then governor of Bombay ordered the demolition of Fort George’s thick walls.
It freed up a considerable area of space, enabling Frere to transform Bombay into a European-like city from scratch. After his tenure came to an end, the city council in gratitude, built the Flora Fountain in his honor. Which was initially named Frere Fountain, but over time, the name was replaced colloquially with Flora Fountain. This was because the statue on top of the fountain was of the Roman Goddess Flora which was easier to remember.
Did you know – this area in the photo marks the western ramparts of the now vanished fort, that was built by the East India Company in 1716.
From the collection – Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., Queen Victoria’s Statue In Bangalore, 2 Old 1910 PCs., Srirangam Temple – Old Print 1872., Fort At Coylan – Antique Hand Colored Map / Plan 1668.
