Most of the buildings that the British built during their time in India have withstood the test of time and proved themselves to be a large part of our history after Independence. These British buildings have acquired iconic stature and are cherished by every Indian citizen. While the intent to create the structures was to further their own interests, after independence, these monuments became part of the new India. The western coast was always the epicenter of the power struggle due to the strategic location and the Maratha Empire stronghold. After a series of treaties and battles, the British were able to bring Bombay under their command. Book a cab with Savaari Car Rentals and look at some of the iconic structures built by the British around Mumbai and Pune.
Gateway of India
One of the most famous structures in Mumbai, Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Situated at Apollo Bunder in the southern part of Mumbai, this iconic structure overlooks the Mumbai harbour. The 83 feet high yellow basalt stone structure was built at the cost of 21 lakh rupees borne by the Indian government. The monument features a 48 feet diameter dome and four turrets that form the core of the structure. During the pre-independence era, the Gateway of India became the entry point for visitors arriving from the west. Ironically, after the British were forced to leave India, the last regiment which was the ‘First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry’ also left from Gateway of India on February 28, 1948, marking an end of a brutal regime. Book your Pune to Mumbai cabs over the weekend to go on a complete colonial tour of Mumbai.
The Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court, the second oldest High Court of India was established on August 14, 1862. However, the construction of the present day building was started later in April 1871 and completed in November 1878. The present-day building which saw the trials of the likes of Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi is built in a typical English-Gothic style architecture designed by Colonel J.A.Fuller. There are several uncanny features in the structure such as a sculpture of a monkey Judge with an unevenly balanced scale of justice, sundry heads of wolves & foxes, and odd corners of the wall.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
Once known as the Victoria Terminus, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a testimony to the changing fortunes of Bombay to the present day Mumbai. Built at the expense of 260,000 Pounds over a period of ten years, CST is a magnificent amalgamation of Anglo-Indian culture. Designed by F.W. Stevens, this Victorian-Gothic style architectural marvel features two columns at the entry gate. One of the columns is crowned with lion representing Britain and the other with Tiger representing India. From being a junction that witnessed the first passenger train to standing strong in the face of terror attacks, CST has acquired a special place in the heart of every Mumbaikar.
Council Hall Pune
The present-day Council Hall building in Pune was also built by the British in 1870. The brick colour structure is designated as Grade 1 heritage structure. The Council Hall holds a special place in the Indian democracy as the first session of both Bombay Legislative Council, and Bombay Legislative Assembly before and after independence took place at this remarkable monument. The site underwent restoration work in 2011. Currently, it is home to several government offices including the ones of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. If you’d like to explore the council hall, book Mumbai to Pune cabs to explore these monuments in Pune.
The Many Bridges
Anyone who has ever spent some time in Pune is well aware of the high number of bridges for a city this size. The Wellesley Bridge on Ambedkar road was built with stones in 1830, and 187 years later, it still carries substantial traffic. Similarly, Sangam Bridge in Shivajinagar was built in 1857, whereas the Harris Bridge is also 122 years old. While these bridges may not be iconic tourist attractions, for decades they have kept the city functional and remind us of barely few good things done by the British colonisers. While exploring all the bridges can become challenging, you can hire cabs from Savaari Car Rentals to move around the beautiful city without any hassles.