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.
I absolutely loved reading this! The way you beautifully weaved emotions with the iconic Gateway of India took me on a nostalgic trip. Your storytelling reminded me of my own visits there and how places hold memories that evolve with time. I could literally visualize the bustling crowd and feel the sea breeze while reading your words. It’s amazing how you captured the essence of history and personal connection so effortlessly. Your “choti kahani” truly left a big impact on my heart.
I have been to Mumbai three times, saw the Gateway of India twice. And since, I wasn’t into pictures then, have no good pix of this magnificent storyteller and witness to history. Now, I feel like going again.
The Gateway of India has seen so much over the years, and you have beautifully captured its significance in your post. Loved the blend of past and present!
How beautifully you write Samata, giving such a personal touch to the landmarks of our country, along with their historical impact and significance. It always acts as a reminder for me that history is such a fascinating subject.
I felt the excitement too when the last British troop left India. Through your storytelling, I was transported to the British era, vividly experiencing the grandeur of the Gateway of India. Thank you for sharing this!
I am Mumbaikar. Gate way of India is my favourite place though it is crowded. I don’t know the details history behind this. Lovely post. Gained something new information.
Next time I am in Bombay – I will definitely observe the intermixing or architectural styles! It fascinates me to see how different cultures come together.
What a journey it has been! It is indeed a silent guardian of Mumbai. I have visited Gateway of India only once. Found it too crowded but quintessentially Mumbai. I will be back to read the other posts in the series.
I can literally hear the monument’s voice speaking to me through your words. I could visualize the comings and goings of royalty through the Gateway of India. I love this series of yours. It makes me see monuments and buildings in a new light.
Anyone who’s visiting Mumbai for the first time, he/she can’t miss the iconic monument. I liked the way you said, “now I don’t serve as a gateway for the rulers, but I am a symbol of resilience, pride and rememberence.” If you change the meaning or the thing which that monumnet represent, it changes the perspective from the pain to pride!
Wow! Samata again this is brilliant post,This is such a great way to bring the story of the Gateway of India to life. It’s more than just a monument—it holds so much history, emotion, and significance. And what a brilliant way to teach kids, making history feel real and engaging instead of just dates and facts. Loved it.
iss baar you’ve made it personal by choosing a monument from Aamchi Mumbai. So firstly thank you for inducing that nostalgia and feeling of pride in me. You’ve written it so beautifully and it’s a truly heartfelt piece! The Gateway of India stands as a witness to history, and I love how you’ve given it a voice to share its journey through time. Your creative approach through this storytelling method brings out the monument’s essence and deep connection with Mumbai. Despite knowing many of these things, you made me reflect on the rich history behind places we often take for granted.
As a Mumbaikar this post warms my heart! I’ve been there so many times but it’s grandeur never ceases to amaze. It is a part of our history and surely has seen the world changing around it. Always feel proud to take guests here and give them a glimpse of it.
I loved reading this! The Gateway of India holds so many memories for me too. It’s such a beautiful place that blends history and culture perfectly—felt like I was reliving my own experience!
Gateway of India is indeed majestic and grand. And it has stood the test of the times. I’m loving your series on monuments, Samata. Wondering what would come next week! 🙂
I love this monument of Mumbai, in fact it’s my favourite, just like the Qutab and India Gate of Delhi! Loved reading about its story through the monument’s perspective. As always, excellent graphics!