16 Interesting Facts About Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is a prominent monument of India, located in the heart of Mumbai. It showcases a unique blend of different architectural styles and holds significant value for numerous reasons. Also known as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, this monument was constructed in the early 20th century to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on the Arabian Sea. fun fact, they were on their way to Delhi Durbar. Here are other interesting facts about the Gateway of India. 

Amazing Fun Facts About Gateway of India

1. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911. 

2. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in the year 1914 and the construction was completed in 1924. 

3. Rufus Isaacs, the then-viceroy of India, opened the monument to the general public on December 4, 1924. 

4. The construction of this important monument cost somewhere around 2.1 million rupees.  

5. It resembles the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, which is a mix of Indian and Islamic architecture.

6. It features carved stone latticework known as jaali, an intricate resemblance to the Mughal architecture. 

7. The central dome of the Gateway of India is surrounded by four turrets. 

8. Sir George Sydenham Clarke laid the foundation stone of the Gateway of India on 31 March 1911. 

9. The Gateway of India is actually an arch made of basalt.

10. The arch of the Gateway of India is about 26 metres or 85 feet in height. 

11. The central dome of the Gateway is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet high. 

12. The First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry passed through the Gateway on February 28, 1948, marking the end of British rule in India. 

13. Later on, the Gateway was used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for the Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay.

14. The structure is an adaptation of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 

15. Marine Drive, another famous tourist attraction in Mumbai, surrounds it. 

16. It serves five jetties out of which one is used by the Atomic Research Center, the second and third for commercial ferry operation, the fourth remains closed, and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club uses the fifth one.

17. The Elephant Caves, Elephant Islands, and the Walkeshwar Temple are some of the popular attractions near the monument. 

Hope you had fun reading these interesting facts about the Gateway of India. If you like reading about facts, you can visit our interesting facts page to read more such blogs.