Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is a monument to the history of the country, as well as a symbol of new independence and resilience. The eclectic Indo-Saracenic style of the gateway is a combination of Gothic Revival with several Indian and Islamic motifs. Built to symbolize the wealth and power of the British Empire, this triumphal arch is now a reminder of the independence of India from British colonization Today, it remains one of the most visited sites in Mumbai.
3D model of Gateway of India - India by CyArkCyArk
The Triumphal Arch known as the Gateway of India overlooks the Mumbai harbor from the edge of the Apollo Bundar. Built out of opulence and wealth on the one hand and sweat and toil on the other, the Gateway of India symbolizes a portal, if you will, between the old and the new.
The plaques installed on both, the sea-facing and land-facing facades of the Gateway above the central arch read “Erected to commemorate the landing in India of their Imperial Majesties, King George V and Queen Mary on the December 2, 1911.
Due to its location on the seafront, the Gateway is a victim of salt deposits which can be observed in the form of whitish patches on its surface. The entire monument shows signs of deterioration due to salt accumulation which is especially notable on the seaward side.
The pointed arches add a Gothic element to the design of the Gateway and give the structure amazing strength and stability.
Learn More with Dr. André Baptista
Dr. Baptista is a lecturer and consultant in Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology. His research interests include prehistory, man-land relationships, landscape evolution on the one hand and colonial history, urban development and shaping of socio-cultural spaces on the other. He has a doctorate in Landscape and Environmental Archaeology from the Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune, India.
