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Free Essay on The Gateway of India

Uploaded by msnarayana on Oct 15, 2012

The Gateway of India is a monument in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). It is situated on the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai. It was a formerly a crude jetty used by fisher folks and was later renovated and used as a landing place for British governors and other distinguished personages. In earlier times, the gate was the monument that visitors arriving by boat would have first seen in the city of Mumbai. It was built for commemorating the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai (then called Bombay). They came prior to the Delhi Durbar, in December 1911. The Governor of Bombay Sir George Sydenham Clarke laid the foundation stone on 31 March 1911. In August 1914 the final design of George Wittet was sanctioned. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded about reclamations at Apollo Bundar for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920, and total construction was finished in 1924. The Gateway was opened on 4th December 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading. The Gateway is a basalt arch. Its design is a combination of both Hindu as well as Muslim architectural styles. The decorations are in Hindu style while the arch is in Muslim style. The Gateway is built from yellow basalt and reinforced by concrete. The stones for building were locally obtained. The perforated screens were brought from Madhya Pradesh state's Gwalior city. The arch is of 26 Meters in height while the central dome is 15 meters in diameter and is 26 meters above ground at its highest point. The realignment of whole harbor front was made in order to come in line with a planned esplanade. The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs (2,100,000) which was whooping that time. Due to lack of funds, the proposed approaching road was never built. For the reason it may seem that the Gateway is standing at an angle to the road leading up to it. The gate has witnessed many historical incidents like the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, the last British troops to leave India etc. The last troop passed through the Gateway in a ceremony on 28th February 1948. Now days many cultural events are organized at this place. From Gateway launch service to Elephant caves, Mandva bundar etc many...

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Uploaded by:   msnarayana

Date:   10/15/2012

Category:   Creative Writing

Length:   2 pages (430 words)

Views:   23187

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