The Bombay High Court During The British Raj Era, 1880 Photo
This 1880 photo of the Bombay High Court offers a glimpse into one of the most iconic colonial-era buildings during the British Raj era. Located in the Fort area of Bombay (now Mumbai). The High Court stands near famous landmarks such as Flora Fountain, Horniman Circle, Azad Maidan, and Churchgate. Other heritage sites like Nariman Point, Colaba, the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), and Bombay Docks are close by.
It was constructed in Victorian Gothic style and was designed by Colonel J. A. Fuller of the Royal Engineers. Its foundation was laid after the demolition of the Bombay Fort walls in the early 1860s under Governor Bartle Frere. Officially opened in 1878, this fortress-like judicial complex became one of the earliest symbols of British legal authority in India.
It features a grand central staircase, spacious courtrooms, and a vast law library. Alongside the Calcutta High Court (1872) and the Madras High Court (1894), the Bombay High Court was one of the three major British Presidency Courts in India. Click photo to enlarge.
Did you know – the Bombay High Court building is the second largest British-era building after Victoria Terminus.
From the collection – Vintage Oleograph Raja Ravi Varma “Vishnu On Sheshnag”.
