Report on Virtual tour to Gateway of India
GATEWAY OF INDIA
The biggest challenge we are facing during this pandemic situation is mental health. To keep our mind energetic we have to keep it engaged through entertainment. All of us like to travel around and explore new places, it is nearly impossible today. As a solution to this problem and to keep our mental health stable Sree Narayana Training College, Nedunganda introduced us a new way of exploring the world through virtual tour.
I had been there in Mumbai few years back and I used to visit Gateway Of India. I missed those times and I decided to have a virtual tour to gateway of India. The website I choose for virtual tour was CYARK. CYARK is a non profit organization founded in 2003 to digitally record, archive and share the world's most significant cultural heritage and ensure that these places continue to inspire wonder and curiosity for decades to come. It allowed me to have a 360° view of Gateway of India which gave me the feel of real experience. It helped me to evoke my beautiful memories.
The Gateway of India is synonymous with Mumbai. It is the most famous monument of Mumbai and is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. Gateway of India is a great historical monument built during the British rule in the country. It is one of India's most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai. The colossal structure was constructed in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. The Gateway of India is a monument that marks India's chief ports and is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. At one point of time, this monument represented the grandeur of the British Raj in India. The total construction cost of this monument was approximately 21 lakhs and the whole expense was borne by the Indian government. A favourite spot for tourists, nowadays, this monument attracts vendors, food stalls and photographers. The passing of the 'First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry' was recorded as the first main event that took place at the Gateway of India. This ceremony was conducted on February 28, 1948, when the last set of British troops and divisions left India, post-independence.
History
The main objective behind the construction of the Gateway of India was to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay (Mumbai). In March 1911, Sir George Sydenham Clarke, who was then the Governor of Bombay, laid down the monument's first foundation. Although, this plan was approved only in 1914, the reclamations at Apollo Bunder were completed only in 1919. The architectural design of Gateway of India was fashioned by architect, George Wittet. It took 4 years to complete this monument's construction. The gateway was opened to the public on 4 December 1924 by then viceroy, Rufus Isaacs, 1st Marquess of Reading. Following Indian independence, the last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gateway with a 21-gun salute, as part of a ceremony on 28 February 1948, signaling the end of the British Raj.
Architectural Layout
The architect George Wittet combined the elements of the Roman triumphal arch and the 16th-century architecture of Gujarat. Its design is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles; the arch is of Muslim style while the decorations are of Hindu style. The gateway is built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The stone was locally obtained, and the perforated screens were brought from Gwalior. The gateway faces out to Mumbai Harbour from the tip of Apollo Bunder.
The central dome is 48 feet (15 metres) in diameter and 83 feet (25 metres) above the ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town. On each side of the arch, there are large halls that can hold 600 people. The cost of the construction was INR2 million (US$32,000), borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and so the gateway stands at an angle to the road leading up to it. On each side of the arch, there are large halls with arches that are covered with intricately carved stone screens and can hold 600 people each. The central dome is joined by 4 turrets and is decorated with intricate latticework, the most prominent features of the entire structure of the Gateway of India. Steps from behind the arch of the Gateway lead directly into the Arabian Sea. The arch frames an impressive view of an expanse of Arabian Sea dotted with fishing boats as well as luxury yachts.
The Taj Mahal Hotel is India's most prestigious and luxurious hotel and is situated close to the Gateway of India. The structure is illuminated after nightfall presenting a breathtaking view in combination with the adjacent Taj Mahal Palace hotel and tower. The Elephanta Caves are located very close to the Gateway of India, and tourists can travel on motor boats to reach the Elephant Islands. A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji was inaugurated on 26 January 1961, opposite the gateway as a symbol of Maratha pride and glory. Another statue of Swami Vivekananda is also present in the vicinity to celebrate his journey from Mumbai to Chicago for the Parliament of World Religions.
Visiting Gateway of India through virtual mode was an entirely different experience for me. I think this is the safest way we can visit the places all over the world. I am thankful to Principal and Smt.Chithra.S, assistant professor Sreenarayana Training College, Nedunganda for introducing the scope of virtual tour in this pandemic situation.
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