Reclamation Of The Gateway Of India, Old Photo 1890

This is an old 1890 photograph that shows the reclamation of the Gateway of India area in Bombay (Mumbai). The area is known as Apollo Bunder or Wellington Pier and was originally reclaimed in 1830. However, this reclaimed area also known as Apollo Pier was a narrow strip of land. Used as a landing jetty for steamship passengers. More reclamations took place in passing years expanding Apollo Bunder greatly (one of them seen in this photograph).

King George V and Queen Mary made a visit for the 1911 Delhi Durbar. They passed through a magnificent but temporary plaster arch erected on this Wellington Pier. And in commemorating their visit a permanent structure- the Gateway of India was built albeit in 1927. This rare gateway of India photo shows earth for reclaiming brought in by bullock carts. Visible on the left is the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. The iconic Taj Mahal Hotel would open in 1903 that lay adjacent to this reclaimed area (not pictured). Click on the photo for better view.

See post King George V & Queen Mary Leaving India – Old Photograph 1912. Read also Mumbai Reclamations

Did you know- that George Wittet architect of the Gateway of India got his design inspiration from the Triumphal Arch of Constantine, Rome, Italy.

From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s Portrait Photo – Old Postcard 1904., Madras Water Supply Red Hills Lake – Old Postcard 1907., The Madras Iron Pier – Old Print 1863., View Of Cochin – Antique Hand coloured Plan 1704