Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is an architectural treasure trove.
South Mumbai in particular is known for its Gothic style buildings and age-old clock towers. The clock towers date back to the British era.
There are many historic clock towers in the city with a few in ruins while some others have fallen into disrepair.
Although those in landmark places like CST, Rajabai clock tower, Crawford market, St Thomas cathedral and Sassoon library are maintained due to its heritage value and rich history, others like Godi Ghadiya and Bazaar Gate lie in shambles.
The Rajabai clock tower is a one of its kind as it stands tall in the University of Mumbai premises. It was designed by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1878 and was financed by the founder of the Bombay Stock Exchange Premchand Roychand. The clock tower is named after Roychand's mother Rajabai.
Another iconic clock tower is the one at CST. The CST railway station was built in 1888 by Sir Frederick William Stevens; the architecture has influences of the Victorian Gothic style of St Pancras Railway Station in London. Declared a world heritage site by the UNESCO, the CST railway station was earlier known as Victoria terminus. In 1996, the name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST).
The St. Thomas Cathedral is the first Anglican Church built in Mumbai in 1718 which houses a clock tower. Likewise, the David Sassoon Library in Mumbai is yet another heritage site built in 1870 which was designed by J Campbell and E. Gosling for Scott McClelland and company. The building was made using yellow Malad stone, pretty much like most of the architecturally rich heritage buildings in Mumbai.
Bazaar Gate was established in 1880 in memory of Bomonjee Hormarjee Wadia who was the sheriff of Mumbai in 1859. This structure is now in ruins. Residents of that area have written several letters to the Municipality (BMC) to save the heritage structure. Godi Ghadiyal is yet another heritage site in Mumbai which is situated at the Indira Gandhi dock. It is a stone clock tower known for its gabled roof; such clock towers are known to be found in European villages but like the bazaar gate this clock is also in shambles.
Text and Pictures by Paul Noronha