Interesting Facts about Gateway of India - Fun Facts about Gateway of India Mumbai

Gateway of India is a monument located in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. Being one of the most treasured monuments of the country, Gateway of India is visited by a large number of people every year. It is a must-see monument for those who want to explore the richness of the city. The style adopted for this architectural excellence is Indo-Saracenic style and it was primarily built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, the name with which city was earlier known, in the year 1911. The Gateway is the first thing that the visitor would have their eyes on when they enter Mumbai through boat. Explore some of the interesting and fun facts about the Gateway of India.

Image: Arian Zwegers@flickr

Interesting & Fun Facts about Gateway of India

Gateway of India was built in the year 1920 by the Government of India.
The nature of the building is that of a gateway.
The foundation of the building was laid on March 31, 1911.
It was in 1914 that Indian Government sanctioned the design for the monument. The design was given by George Wittet.
The cost of the construction was a sum of Rs. 21 lakh, borne mainly by the Government of India.
For lack of funds, the approach road to the Gateway was never built. This is why it stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.
The Gateway has been built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete.
While it is Indo-Saracenic in architectural style, elements are derived from the Muslim architectural styles of 16^th century Gujarat and local styles of architecture as well.
The central dome is 15 meters in diameter and reaches to a height of 26 meters above ground.
The Viceroy, Earl of Reading inaugurated the gateway in Mumbai, on December 4, 1924.
The whole harbor front was re-laid so that it would sweep down to the centre of the town.
The Gateway has four turrets and is designed with intricate latticework.
The First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry was the last of the British troops which left India after its Independence. Incidentally, while retreating, the troop passed through the Gateway, in a ceremony on February 28, 1948.
As a matter of fact, even the last of the British ships, set sail for England from Gateway of India in Mumbai
Behind the Gateway, steps lead down to the waterfront, where boat trips can be had to locations such as Elephanta Island.
The statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda were installed later at the Gateway.

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