The Gateway of India: A Monumental Legacy of India’s Colonial Past

The Gateway of India, a magnificent arch monument in Mumbai, India, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. Standing on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, it is a testament to India’s colonial past, its architectural evolution, and its eventual path toward independence.
This monumental structure has witnessed significant historical events, symbolizing both the opulence of British imperialism and the eventual triumph of Indian sovereignty.
Here, we will explore the history, architectural significance, key events, and important dates associated with the Gateway of India. We will also give you tips on things to do at the Gateway of India and get to enjoy it the most.

The History of The Gateway of India

To commemorate the first visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, The British Government decided to erect a monument at Apolo Bunder (the current site). The Empire, at the time, was at the zenith of its colonial power, and the visit was an occasion to highlight the imperial grandeur. In a sense, the Gateway was designed to symbolize the strength and endurance of the British Empire in India.
For this purpose, many designs were discussed and one of them was even proposed and almost finalized before the decision was taken in favour of the design that exists in its current form. How was the final decision, taken there is no public information on that.

Even though the structure was to serve a definite purpose, it was not quite complete when the King and Queen Mary visited. It is said that a provisional cardboard structure was constructed on the end of a small pier where the coronation ceremony took place.
Before its construction, the region where the Gateway stands was known as Apollo Bunder, a bustling wharf area. The site was strategically chosen for its waterfront location, which allowed the monument to be viewed from both land and sea, emphasizing its status as a monumental entrance.
After the finalization of the designs and all the due diligence, its foundation stone was laid on 31 March 1913 by then Governor of Bombay, George Sydenham Clarke.

The land reclamation, the construction of the sea wall and the foundation work continued between 1915 and 1919. Gammon India claims to have done India’s first pre-cast reinforced concrete piling for the foundations of the Gateway of India.
During the construction phase, the design of the monument faced various criticisms and challenges. Several modifications were made to ensure that it would stand the test of time.

It was opened for the public on 4 December 1924 by the then Viceroy, Rufus Isaacs & the then Governor of Bombay, Sir John Collett.
24 years later, on 28 February 1948, The Gateway of India witnessed the ceremony of Indian Independence as the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the Gateway with a 21-gun salute to signal the end of the British Raj.
During the Mumbai Terror Attack in 2008 targeting the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (both are in close vicinity to each other), the Gateway of India was the site where the media and the law enforcement units were stationed.

Architecture and Design

The Gateway of India was designed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, a fusion of traditional Indian and Western styles popular during the British Raj. This is a revivalist architectural style which essentially was the interpretation of the Britishers of how they saw the Indian designs. This style blends Mughal, Hindu, and Western European elements to produce a unique theme representing Colonial Imperialism design. The Chepauk Palace (Chennai) is said to be the first Indo-Saracenic building, completed in 1768, for the Nawab of Arcot.

The Gateway of India stands 26 meters (85 feet) tall and is made from yellow basalt stone and concrete sourced locally. The monument’s design was chosen through a competition held in 1911, and the winning entry was submitted by the British architect George Wittet. The monument’s central arch, measuring 15 meters (49 feet) in width, is reminiscent of Islamic architecture, while the towers and spires that crown the structure are influenced by Western styles. There is an impressive carved stone latticework known as Jali, a form of architectural decoration of perforated stone.

The Gateway consists of an expansive arch, with the royal insignia of the British Empire—two deeply carved lions—at the base. On either side of the arch, ornate columns rise, contributing to the monument’s regal presence. The interior of the arch is adorned with intricate carvings, including motifs of elephants and the famous 16th-century Portuguese-built sea fort, Castella da Aguada, from the era when India was under Portuguese influence. The blend of these elements reflects the British Empire’s attempt to assert its dominance and the grandeur of India’s rich architectural history.
One of the most notable features of the Gateway is its positioning and scale. The grand nature of the monument was intended to impress visitors arriving by sea, which was a common way to enter Mumbai during the colonial period.

Since the monument was erected to welcome King George V, the inscription on the gateway reads, “Erected to commemorate their Imperial Majesties King George V and Queen Mary’s landing in India on the Second of December MCMXI.” 

Restoration of The Gateway of India

A recent structural audit of the Gateway has revealed cracks along its façade that have damaged the waterproofing and reinforced cement concrete in the domes.
Efflorescence (caused by water ingress into a building, in which the water evaporates later but leaves salt deposits behind) was also seen in the masonry.
The pointing (finishing of mortar joints between bricks or other masonry elements) has deteriorated, and past abrasive cleaning has pitted the stone, leading to sulphate accretions and algae formation.

Currently, the Gateway of India is classified as Heritage Grade I and is under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which has kickstarted a restoration plan. Besides the monument conversation, the plan addresses the surrounding pathway, the steps leading to the water and the historic railings and bollards.

Things to do at the Gateway of India

Today, the Gateway of India stands as one of Mumbai’s most important tourist attractions. Thousands of people visit the monument every year, both for its architectural beauty and its historical significance. The monument is also a key cultural symbol of Mumbai and, by extension, India’s rich historical tapestry.
The monument’s strategic location on the waterfront offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, providing a serene environment for visitors while also symbolizing the maritime significance of Mumbai as a port city. For locals, it is a place of pride and reflection on the country’s independence.

Gateway of India is an open site and there aren’t any visitation charges.
It gets crowded because of that but which tourist site of international fame doesn’t?
The best time to visit the area is either very early morning or in the evenings when it becomes breezy and cool.
One can walk around the place and study its architecture to understand its historical significance.
A ferry ride into the ocean gives a beautiful view of the Mumbai skyline. One should surely opt for it. One can hire a private boat or join fellow tourists on a public ferry. Many celebrate their special occasions in the sea on a hired boat overlooking the Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel.

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Distance: Next Door
It is a 5-star luxury heritage hotel and though there isn’t any entry fee, you might like to visit one of their restaurants and cafes to enjoy their world-class service and great cuisine.
The hotel also has a Shopping Arcade that houses top brands like Zegna and Mont Blanc.

National Gallery Of Modern Art

Distance: 0.9 Km(5 minutes walk)
Timing: 11.00 AM to 6.00 PM, closed on Monday
Ticket Price: INRR20
NGMA Mumbai is a place which is a must-visit for those interested in art and artefacts, for this gallery offers the best of artwork from all over the world. Through many exhibitions that are organised here, visitors can enjoy the artworks of popular and upcoming artists. It also houses some ancient artefacts. It’s a treasure for the art connoisseurs and students alike.

Colaba Causeway Market

Distance: 1 Km (5 minutes walk)
You can shop for high-end clothes, furniture and artefacts and simultaneously look for bargain trinkets and mementoes here.
Colaba is a popular hang-out joint with pubs and restaurants all around. It offers a great nightlife for the locals and tourists alike.

RBI Monetary Museum

Distance: 1.6 Km(9 minutes walk)

Timing: 10.45 AM to 5.15 AM, closed on Monday and Bank Holidays

Ticket Price: Entry Free for all

RBI Monetary Museum Website

If you are interested in learning about the evolution of money in India, from the earliest barter system and the use of cowries to paper money, coins, stock markets and modern-day electronic transactions, it is an interesting place to visit.

NCPA (National Centre for the Performing Art)

Distance: 1.9 Km

Timing: Depending on the program, please check the NCPA website for their calendar

Ticket Price: Depending on the program, please check the NCPA website for their calendar

NCPA Event Calendar Website

NCPA is India’s premier multi-genre cultural institution, established in 1969 to promote and preserve Indian artistic heritage. Today it has evolved into a much bigger movement and hosts various international artists and shows for its audience. It also founded the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), India’s first and only professional orchestra.

Marine Drive

Distance (starting from Trident Hotel)): 1.9 Km
Ticket Price: Entry Free for all
Marine Drive is a seafront 3-kilometre-long promenade, also known as Queen’s Necklace due to its shape and the evening city lights.
It is one of the richest residential areas with most buildings in art-deco style. It starts at the Trident Hotel and NCPA (National Centre for the Performing Art) and ends at Girgaon Chowpatty. You can notice many stadiums and clubs along the road.

Girgaon Chowpatty

Distance: 6 Km
Ticket Price: Entry Free for all
It is a public beach where people come for a run or relaxation. There are plenty of street food stalls all around.
It has a special place during Ganpati Visarjan when the city’s most prominent Ganesha Idols are brought to this beach for immersion and celebrations. If you want to stay away from the crowd, then you can avoid visiting this place during those 7 days. However, if you are in India to soak into its culture, then you might like to plan your trip to Chowpatty only during those 7 days.

The distance between the Gateway of India and DY Patil stadium, the venue for Coldplay, is around 24 km, in case you plan your trip around that time.