One evening Michalle, my friend who has been living in India for last 10 years, and I were discusing about mumbites and their culture. “ Hey! Have you seen Gateway of India” She excitedly asked and I gave her an ignorant look. Although I knew about it, I never got the chance to actualy visit the place. So, Michalle decided that we both will explore the splendorous monument together. Next morning, after having my breakfast I immediately left the hotel, to Michalle house as I had the Gateway of India and Elephanta caves in my schedule. Then we both took a local train that was quite crowded with all sorts of people. “Unity in diversity” I thought. On reaching there, we were greeted by a fleet of pigeons who were cooing and having their breakfast of grains of rice spread on the floor by the visitors. The moment I went near them they took a short flight in the air and resumed the task of picking grains as I went aside.

History
Being a postgraduate in Indian history, Michalle was able to tell me about the magnificent monument. She told me that its is one of the most striking monuments of Mumbai- the Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The foundation stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay. The magnificent monument was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. “You know, the construction of this monument was completed in 1924, and the Gateway opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.” informed Michalle.

Architecture
“ Hey! It's architecture is quite unique” I asked Michalle. “Ya, It is built in the Indo-saracenic style” She replied. Interestingly, Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bounder. It is 26m high structure, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbor front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the center of the town. Influences of the 16th century Gujarati style are also evident in its architecture. The huge cost of the construction that came Rs. 21 lakhs, was borne mainly by the Government of India. It was interesting for me to know that due to lack of funds, the approaching road was never built. The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives varied hues of gold, russet and pink to the imposing arch. I shot some snaps of the imposing monument.