The Gateway of India: My Choti Kahani Samay Ka Sath
The Gateway of India: My Choti Kahani Samay Ka Sath
Swagath ha apka, Mahanagari Mumbai ma.
Ma Hu Mumbai Ka Shaan ” The Gateway of India”
If you visit Mumbai, you will find me standing tall on the shores of the Arabian Sea. I witnessed centuries unfold before me. Ya ha meri kahani (This is my story).
Priya Atithi
In 1911, King George V and Queen Mary arrived in Bombay (now Mumbai). For the grand welcome, the British rulers wanted a grand entrance like an archway, symbolizing their power and authority. That’s when architect George Wittet got the responsibility to design me. When you take a look at me carefully, you will find a magnificent blend in me. It’s of Indo-Saracenic, Islamic, and Gothic styles. The construction reached completion in 1924. I emerged as the grand entry point for the British viceroys and governors.
During the British rule, I was the first sight of India that greeted officials. I was the last thing they saw before leaving the Indian coasts. I am that architectural masterpiece that witnessed the rise of colonial grandeur, the rush of traders, and the marching of the soldiers in and out.
But time was leaping and experiencing a change. The whispers of freedom fighters were heard at every corner of the nation. The urge to attain freedom grew louder, and soon, I was gearing up to witness history unfold.
On February 28, 1948, I saw the last British troops, and that was a thrilling moment for me. I was the happiest monument of India when I witnessed the Somerset Light Infantry, leave Indian soil. It was a moment of victory, of a nation reclaiming its destiny. The troops marched down my steps, boarded their ships, and sailed away. With this, they marked the end of an empire. That day witnessed the birth of independent India.
As years passed, I no longer served as a gateway for rulers. Now I am the symbol of resilience, pride, and remembrance. People from all walks of life come to see me. All tourists love clicking pictures with me, lovers enjoy the sea breeze, and history enthusiasts marvel at my past. Dear Atithi, would you love to capture my beauty with you on your mobile or camera?
I have stood through wars, celebrations, and tragedies. Yes, I am the one to witness the 2008 Mumbai attacks. I felt sorrow and courage alike.
Today, I am more than just a monument. I am a storyteller. I am also the silent guardian of Mumbai. I stood as the symbol of India’s past and present. When the waves of the Arabian Sea touch my foundation, I remain unshaken. While looking at the waves, I remember and welcome millions who pass through my arch.
I am the Gateway of India, and my journey continues.
Dear Atithi, my story may be short, but my existence is massive in the pages of Indian History.
I welcome you all to my land… Dear Atithi, come to meet me, experience my journey, and share it with others to remember.
Yours Truly
The Gate Way Of India
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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