Located at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in Mumbai, inside the Republic of India, the Gateway of India is an amazing arch structure that was constructed on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder region. It is the world’s largest arch monument.
The arch, which was constructed of basalt stone in an attractive Indo-Saracenic design in 1924 to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder during their 1911 tour to India, was dedicated in 1924. Because of its location on the Arabian Sea, it is unquestionably Mumbai’s unofficial symbol, as well as a reminder of the city’s long colonial British past.
The foundation stone for the this bold monument was laid on March 31, 1913, but it took ten years for the entire project to be completed, with land reclamation from the sea, the construction of a new seawall, and the renovation of the jetty, which was primarily used for fishing by the locals, among the factors contributing to the lengthy delay in completion. Combining parts of the Roman triumphal arches with aspects of Gujarati architecture from the 16th century, the Scottish architect George Wittet created something that should undoubtedly be the first thing that visitors to Mumbai see when they arrive.
As was the case, the majority of those who arrived by water were the first to see the Gateway of India and its faultless and beautiful architectural lines; nevertheless, the enormous arch, which stands about 26 meters (85 feet) tall, is flanked by four turrets, which contribute to its overall beauty.
The top of the gate, which faces the harbor, has an inscription that reads: “Erected to commemorate the landing in India of their Imperial Majesties King George V and Queen Mary on the Second of December MCMXI,” highlighting the historic visit of their Majesties to what was once a British colony but is now one of the world’s most powerful nations. The Gateway, which is ideal for organizing events, can accommodate between 2,000 and 2,500 people. However, it is the central location where the locals congregate, and there are plenty of street vendors and photographers who would provide a unique experience to all visitors who are visiting India for the first time.