View of Flora Fountain in 19th Century Bombay, 1890 Photo
An 1890 photograph offers a striking view of Flora Fountain in colonial Bombay (Mumbai). The elegant fountain, which quickly became one of Bombay’s most recognizable landmarks, appears serene at the time.
In the image, the streets around Flora Fountain look remarkably open, with only horse-drawn trams, bullock carts, and a handful of pedestrians moving through the intersection. Shady trees line the roads, enhancing the charm of this late 19th-century urban scene and lending a tranquil atmosphere to what would later become one of South Mumbai’s busiest areas.
Interestingly, the photo suggests that road watering was underway, a common practice at the time to control dust on unmetalled roads. During the 19th century, most streets were not yet surfaced with stone or asphalt. Widespread road metalling gained momentum only in the early 1900s, particularly with the arrival of motor vehicles.
Flora Fountain stands at the historic intersection of Esplanade Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road) and Hornby Road (Dadabhai Naoroji Road). From here, Dadabhai Naoroji Road leads toward the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus).
This rare 1890 view not only highlights the architectural elegance of Flora Fountain but also documents the transformation of Bombay from a colonial port city into the vibrant metropolis of modern Mumbai. Click image to enlarge.
Read more History and prominence of Flora Fountain and Hutatma Chowk, Fort, South Mumbai
Did you know – during the conservation work on the fountain, a chamber was discovered, and the entrance was found to be sealed with concrete. In addition, there was a complex system of water engineering that was also discovered on the fountain.
