Mumbai (Bombay)

Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here.

This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.

Mumbai History: Following the first war of Independence in 1857, the East India Company was accused of mismanagement, and Bombay reverted to the British crown. With the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, exports, specially cotton, from Bombay became a major part of the colonial economy.

Places of Interest in Mumbai

Gateway of India

The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.

Built in the Indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of India is meant to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The foundation stone was laid on March 31, 1911 and George Wittet's final design sanctioned in August 1914. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920.

The Gateway is built from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town.

The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.
The construction was completed in 1924, and the Gateway opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.

The last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gate in a ceremony on February 28, 1948.

Juhu Beach

JUHU Situated 30 km from the city, it is a crowded beach with residential apartments and bungalows surrounding it. It seems as if the entire population of the area descends on the beach for a breath of fresh air!.

Haji Ali Mosque

This early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of HAZRATH HAJI ALI, a Muslim Sufi saint. There are two local legends which claim to trace the hazrath’s antecedents. One story has it that Haji Ali was a rich , local businessman who gave up materialism after a visit to Mecca and then took up meditation.

Another legend says that he was an Afghan mystic who lived and meditated here. He specifically ordered that after his death , his casket should be cast off into the sea off the shore of what is today Pakistan. However , the casket surfaced intact at the spot where the shrine is today.

The Haji Ali shrine is located on a small island on the Arabian Sea. There is a walkway which connects the shore to the shrine. This walkway is the only way to enter the shrine and it can be used only during low tides. High tides and monsoon rains completely cover the walkway. Inside the shrine there is a courtyard which normally sports a festive, talkative atmosphere.

The structure has typical white, Mughal domes and minarets. Although it is a famous Muslim pilgrimage site, non-Muslim visitors are welcomed. The shrine looks its best when seen from the shore silhouetted against the setting sun.

Town Hall

With its columns and tall Grecian porticos, this structure has been the foundation of the Library Society of Mumbai which moved into the Town Hall in 1830, soon after which a union was effected with the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

University Buildings

Founded by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Ready money, after whom is named the earlier of the two structures, was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.

Bombay High Court

This blue-basalt building in early English Gothic style was designed by Col. J. A. Fuller. It has central tower standing almost 180 ft.

Chowpatty Beach (GIRGAUM)

Situated at the northern end of Marine Drive, it is a stretch of sandy beach and attracts hordes of people during the weekends and on holidays.

Excurisons in Mumbai

LION SAFARI PARK/KRISHNAGIRI UPV/SANJAY GANDHI NATIIONAL PARK

The national Park, also called Krishnagiri Upvan has the Gandhi Smriti Mandir on Pavilion Hill. The Lion Safari park gives visitors an opportunuity to watch the Indian lion from special, closed vehicles. The Lion Safari park is open on all days, except Monday. Closed on Tuesday if Monday happens to be a public holiday.

 

ELEPHANTA CAVES

The Elephanta island is known as Gharapuri (fortress city). The 7th century cave temple complex, which has been carved out of rock under two small holls, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was a flourishing place of pilgrimage tilla few centuries ago. It has a magnificent 18 feet high, three-headed bust of Shiva- the Maheshmurti. The main cave, which is known as Elephanta, is supported by masasiva pillars, each restin gon a supported by massive pillars, each resing on a square base with fluted shafts. Inside is the main hall housing sculptures of various gods in the Hinu mythology. This well known tourist spot is accessible by boat from the Gateway of India.

ERANGAL BEACH

The suburban electric train stops at malad, from where the journey must be made by road. Hotel accommodation available. GORAI BEACH (59km) The nearest railway station is Borivili. Private shacks are available here.

 

 

JUHU BEACH

A 5 km long beach fringed with palms and coconut trees, it is a popular picnic spot and has a number of hotels and restaurants.

KANHERI CAVES

Carved out of native rock, the 112 caves that form the complex are believed to have been occupied by Buddhist monks for nearly a thousand years, staring 2nd century A.D thus nmaking them one of the oldest rock monasteries in the country. Caves No. 1,2 and 3 are noteworthy for their massive pillars, scuptures and stupas.

CHODBUNDER

The suburban electric train stops at Borivili from where Chodbunder is 9.6 km by road. It is an enchanting picnic spot.

KARNAKLA BIRD SANCTUARY AND FORT

About 150 species of birds have been spotted here, 30 of which are migratory. The rare Ashy Minive, a native of the Phillippines, has also been seen here