KILROYTIMES
MAVERICKS HOME
SILHOUETTES 2002
ENTERTAINMENT
of India, a city of entrepreneurs, a city of skyscrapers
, a city of clubs and pubs, a city of dreams, of
horse races and cricket, a city of suburban trains,
and a place full of contradictions.
The enigmatic city of Mumbai was a cluster of
seven islands of Koli fishermen who lived on the
shores of the Arabian Sea and worshipped Mumbadevi. Hence,
Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here. This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.
Premier shopping are Cobala causeway, Crawford Market, Flora Fountain, Fashion Street, World Trade Center, Breach Candy and Linking Road, Zaveri Bazaar, Mangladas Market, Chor Bazaar, Dhabu street. Chor Bazaar offers antique pieces most of which are reproduction of the original., so do not have much faith on these items.
Chowpatty Beach - Chowpatty beach is not only a beach
for Mumbai but it is heart of the city. This beach does
not mean sunbathing and surfing. Chowpatty is a place
where meetings were organised during the freedom
struggle.
Gate Way Of India - When a visitor comes to Mumbai by sea he sees a 26 m high structure. This structure is called the Gateway of India. It is the icon of Mumbai. It was designed by Wittet and is built in the 16 th century architectural style of Gujarat. Gate way of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. After that function, this crypto-Moresque has welcomed many
High Court - Built in the English Gothic Style the building of Mumbai High court certainly meant to impress the native of might and justice of Britishers. The attractive building was build in 1878. The main structure rises 54.2 m in height and is surmounted by the statues representing Justice and Mercy. It seems that one of the local stone carver had something else in his mind and carved a blind ape as the statue of Justice.
Hutatma Chowk - Also known as the Flora fountain because of the fountain. It is located at one of the established business center of Mumbai. The chowk is named after Roman God of Abundance. It was erected in 1869 in honor of Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of Bombay who was responsible for shaping much of Bombay.
Jain Temple - The Jain temple built in white marble is dedicated to Adinath the first tirthankara or apostle of Jains. The temple is decorated with paintings depicting incidents from the life of Tirthankaras. The first floor of the temple is particularly dedicated to Parasnath. His image has been carved out in black marble and images of planets adorn the ceiling as given in the Hindu mythology.
Mani Bhawan (Gandhi Memorial) - It is here that Gandhiji stayed during his visits to Bombay between 1917-34. This place has been converted into a memorial and a small museum has been made. The museum displays pictures and books related to the life Gandhiji. There also a small library. Near Mani Bhawan is August Kranti Maidan from where Gandhiji declared the Quit India movement in 1942.
Marine Drive - Also called the Netaji Subhas Chandra Marg, it is a promenade along the water front. The drive runs from the Nariman point to Chowpatty beach and ends at the Malabar hills. The drive is built on the land reclaimed from the Back Bay along the Arabian coast. The place is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. In the night the whole drive is lit by street lights that give it are very unique expression. Due to the street lights some call it the necklace of the Queen.
Hanging Gardens - The Hanging gardens or Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in 1881 on top of a reservoir on the Malabar Hills. This place has become a heaven for dating couples nevertheless the place provides a good view of the city. Nearby is the Kamla Nehru park. From the park one can have the best possible views of the Marine drive and the Chowpatty beach. The Kamla Nehru park was laid in 1952 and was developed mainly as a childrens' park.