Reclamation Work For The Building Of The Gateway Of India Bombay, 1914 Photo

A rare 1914 photo shows the reclamation work for the building of the Gateway of India in Bombay (Mumbai). The area is the Apollo Bunder or Wellington Pier. The protruding piece of land was first reclaimed in 1830 as a landing area for fishing boats. It was later used as a landing jetty for passengers arriving by steamer ships.

The royal couple King George V and Queen Mary arrived in India in 1911 to attend the Delhi Durbar. Consequent to the visit a proposal was put forth to erect a monument at Apollo Bunder on this occasion where the royal couple had first landed. Work began in 1914 on the reclamation to increase the area for the building of the Gateway of India.

This rare photo shows the reclamation work of the approach road to the proposed area where the Gateway of India would come up. Partly visible on the left is the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. The iconic Taj Mahal Hotel although not pictured here faces the Apollo Bunder. Click on the image to enlarge the view.

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

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

 

 

Photo Details

Year -

1890

Photograph Size -

12x10 inch

Photographer -

British photohrapher