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| | The ()()()__FuFa- FUlly FAaltoo NETWORK__()()() Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Discover Mumbai - The Series | Views: 2057 | | Feb 10, 2004 4:41 pm | | Discover Mumbai - The Series | # | 
Nehul Goradia | | Sir Fu Lancelot,
I accept the honour of writing the inaugural piece on Discover Mumbai - The Series.
I thought to start with I should write on a service which is a very inherent part of Mumbai - The Railways.
The Railways have served as the lifeline of Bombay ever since the first train ran at 3:35pm on April 16th, 1853, when a train with 14 railway carriages and 400 guests left Bombay's Bori Bunder for Thane, with a 21-gun salute. It was hauled by three locomotives: Sindh, Sultan, and Sahib. The journey took an hour and fifteen minutes.
Ever since then life in Bombay (oopps.. Mumbai - forgive my fufa...) cannot be imagined without the Railways.
The first trains had extremely uncomfortable third class coaches. There were no seats, and the windows could be reached only by rather tall people. These coaches were called, quite appropriately, Bakra Gadi.
In 1855 the Bombay Baroda and Central Indian Railway Company (BB & CI) was incorporated and undertook to build a line from Surat to Bombay. Work commenced in the same year, and was completed in 1864. In 1863 a railway line to the Deccan over the Bhor Ghat was inaugurated by Sir Bartle Frere.
BB&CI started the first suburban line, between Virar and a station in Bombay Backbay, in the year 1867. In the beginning there was only one train each way every day, but the number of trains began to increase from the 1870's. In 1872 the line was extended to Arthur Bunder in Colaba.
The Harbour line of the GPI was started in February 1925. About the same time, electrification of the suburban railways began.
The above is just a bit of History after a brief research. I now request Fu Ranten to start fufaing by writing the next article on the series.
Pls send me your views on the above.
Cheers,
Fu Nehul
Private Reply to Nehul Goradia | | Feb 16, 2004 3:04 am | | Discover Mumbai - The Series ( Ranten....next) | # | 
FuFaji Lalit Vashishta | | Ranten,
can you please take time to progress on this one? And also delegate the next writer
Fu Lalit
> Nehul Goradia wrote:
> Sir Fu Lancelot,
>
>I accept the honour of writing the inaugural piece on Discover Mumbai - The Series.
>
>I thought to start with I should write on a service which is a very inherent part of Mumbai - The Railways.
>
>The Railways have served as the lifeline of Bombay ever since the first train ran at 3:35pm on April 16th, 1853, when a train with 14 railway carriages and 400 guests left Bombay's Bori Bunder for Thane, with a 21-gun salute. It was hauled by three locomotives: Sindh, Sultan, and Sahib. The journey took an hour and fifteen minutes.
>
>Ever since then life in Bombay (oopps.. Mumbai - forgive my fufa...) cannot be imagined without the Railways.
>
>The first trains had extremely uncomfortable third class coaches. There were no seats, and the windows could be reached only by rather tall people. These coaches were called, quite appropriately, Bakra Gadi.
>
>In 1855 the Bombay Baroda and Central Indian Railway Company (BB & CI) was incorporated and undertook to build a line from Surat to Bombay. Work commenced in the same year, and was completed in 1864. In 1863 a railway line to the Deccan over the Bhor Ghat was inaugurated by Sir Bartle Frere.
>
>BB&CI started the first suburban line, between Virar and a station in Bombay Backbay, in the year 1867. In the beginning there was only one train each way every day, but the number of trains began to increase from the 1870's. In 1872 the line was extended to Arthur Bunder in Colaba.
>
>The Harbour line of the GPI was started in February 1925. About the same time, electrification of the suburban railways began.
>
>
>The above is just a bit of History after a brief research. I now request Fu Ranten to start fufaing by writing the next article on the series.
>
>Pls send me your views on the above.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Fu Nehul
>
>
> Private Reply to FuFaji Lalit Vashishta | | Feb 16, 2004 6:08 am | | re: Discover Mumbai - The Series - Train travails...Nandita to continue | # | 
Ranajit Tendolkar | | Since Nehul started off with trains...i shall continue...
Here are a few essential rules to remember if you commute by locals - dosent matter if its western, central, harbour or whatever combination....
1) Never iron your shirt/trousers if you travel during peak hours. The packed compartment shall do the needful.
2) Buy a first class pass only if your company is paying for
it.
3) Else thou should be really rich with an annual income of atleast Rs.10/= lakhs travelling by first class. In which case you can afford a car.
4) Before getting off at a station always ask the person
ahead of you, "Uterega Kya?" This way you shall not feel left out.
5) If you happen to be one of those few gazillion, who travel by train during peak hours, on a regular basis, do not spend money on gymnasiums or health instructors. You will realize how effortlessly and in an innovative manner, one can practice yoga while travelling.
6) If you have already started practising this innovative yoga, see to it that it remains within the confinements of the train compartment. Try these steps anywhere else and you'll soon get yourself locked up in a mental asylum.
7) Always push the person standing ahead of you. It is amusing when the person ahead of you does not use a single word against you.
8) In case you happen to sweat or if your nose starts twitching, rub the desired body part on the clothes of the person standing closest to you. Your hands are gonna be of no use to you at that time.
9) Make sure you are the tallest among those standing around you. It affects you less when others have to bear the smell of your armpits.
10) Avoid travelling in slippers or sandals. It is an accepted fact that someone always climbs on to your foot.
> Sir Lancelot wrote:
> Ranten,
>can you please take time to progress on this one? And also delegate the next writer
>
>Fu Lalit
>
Private Reply to Ranajit Tendolkar | | Feb 16, 2004 12:58 pm | | re: re: Discover Mumbai - The Series - Train travails...Nandita to continue | # |
N Iyer | | I knew this was coming...
Shall continue but need some time///
> Ranajit Tendolkar wrote:
> Since Nehul started off with trains...i shall continue...
>
>Here are a few essential rules to remember if you commute by locals - dosent matter if its western, central, harbour or whatever combination....
>
>1) Never iron your shirt/trousers if you travel during peak hours. The packed compartment shall do the needful.
>
>2) Buy a first class pass only if your company is paying for
>it.
>
>3) Else thou should be really rich with an annual income of atleast Rs.10/= lakhs travelling by first class. In which case you can afford a car.
>
>4) Before getting off at a station always ask the person
>ahead of you, "Uterega Kya?" This way you shall not feel left out.
>
>5) If you happen to be one of those few gazillion, who travel by train during peak hours, on a regular basis, do not spend money on gymnasiums or health instructors. You will realize how effortlessly and in an innovative manner, one can practice yoga while travelling.
>
>6) If you have already started practising this innovative yoga, see to it that it remains within the confinements of the train compartment. Try these steps anywhere else and you'll soon get yourself locked up in a mental asylum.
>
>7) Always push the person standing ahead of you. It is amusing when the person ahead of you does not use a single word against you.
>
>8) In case you happen to sweat or if your nose starts twitching, rub the desired body part on the clothes of the person standing closest to you. Your hands are gonna be of no use to you at that time.
>
>9) Make sure you are the tallest among those standing around you. It affects you less when others have to bear the smell of your armpits.
>
>10) Avoid travelling in slippers or sandals. It is an accepted fact that someone always climbs on to your foot.
>
>> Sir Lancelot wrote:
>> Ranten,
>>can you please take time to progress on this one? And also delegate the next writer
>>
>>Fu Lalit
>>
> Private Reply to N Iyer | | Feb 18, 2004 12:16 pm | | re: re: re: Discover Mumbai - The Series - Train travails...Nandita to continue | # |
FuFaji Lalit Vashishta | | Your time is up!!
Fa Nandita you will be sent another intimation next time, until then, lets continue our discovery
- hmmmm Castle Builder to continue and also she delegates the responsibility to the successor who shall continue to write on the series " Discover Mumbai "
Take over Fa Ruchika
Fu Lalit
> Nandita wrote:
> I knew this was coming...
>Shall continue but need some time///
>
>> Ranajit Tendolkar wrote:
>> Since Nehul started off with trains...i shall continue...
>>
>>Here are a few essential rules to remember if you commute by locals - dosent matter if its western, central, harbour or whatever combination....
>>
>>1) Never iron your shirt/trousers if you travel during peak hours. The packed compartment shall do the needful.
>>
>>2) Buy a first class pass only if your company is paying for
>>it.
>>
>>3) Else thou should be really rich with an annual income of atleast Rs.10/= lakhs travelling by first class. In which case you can afford a car.
>>
>>4) Before getting off at a station always ask the person
>>ahead of you, "Uterega Kya?" This way you shall not feel left out.
>>
>>5) If you happen to be one of those few gazillion, who travel by train during peak hours, on a regular basis, do not spend money on gymnasiums or health instructors. You will realize how effortlessly and in an innovative manner, one can practice yoga while travelling.
>>
>>6) If you have already started practising this innovative yoga, see to it that it remains within the confinements of the train compartment. Try these steps anywhere else and you'll soon get yourself locked up in a mental asylum.
>>
>>7) Always push the person standing ahead of you. It is amusing when the person ahead of you does not use a single word against you.
>>
>>8) In case you happen to sweat or if your nose starts twitching, rub the desired body part on the clothes of the person standing closest to you. Your hands are gonna be of no use to you at that time.
>>
>>9) Make sure you are the tallest among those standing around you. It affects you less when others have to bear the smell of your armpits.
>>
>>10) Avoid travelling in slippers or sandals. It is an accepted fact that someone always climbs on to your foot.
>>
>>> Sir Lancelot wrote:
>>> Ranten,
>>>can you please take time to progress on this one? And also delegate the next writer
>>>
>>>Fu Lalit
>>>
>>Private Reply to FuFaji Lalit Vashishta | | Feb 18, 2004 12:44 pm | | re: re: re: re: Discover Mumbai - The Series - Train travails...Nandita to continue | # |
Ranajit Tendolkar | | FuL...
Aare Bhaiya...give her some time na....
i doubt she's ever seen the inside of a local....so probably doing research...
else FaR takes over...
FuR
> Lalit Vashista wrote:
> Your time is up!!
>
>Fa Nandita you will be sent another intimation next time, until then, lets continue our discovery
>
> - hmmmm Castle Builder to continue and also she delegates the responsibility to the successor who shall continue to write on the series " Discover Mumbai "
>
>Take over Fa Ruchika
>
>Fu Lalit
>
Private Reply to Ranajit Tendolkar | | Feb 18, 2004 6:17 pm | | re: re: re: Discover Mumbai - The Series - About Colaba!!! (part 1) | # | 
Kreative Quest | | Thankyou Fu Lalit for the honor of taking this series further and I would like to share some info abt COLABA..... the jaan of MUMBAI!!!
At the southern tip of Bombay is Colaba . It was called the Old Woman's island, before the seven islands were united to form Bombay. Beginning from Regal Cinema, Colaba Causeway is the tourist hub which runs parallel to the Gateway of India. Sidewalk stalls selling fake jewellery, Tee shirts, cheap leather goods and knick-knacks; Bohemian cafes and budget hotels dot this area.
Further down, the stone-and-plaster Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking runs the 2000 strong fleet of Bombay's BEST buses. Adjacent to it is Cusrow Baug -- the Parsi colony where residential accomodation is strictly reserved for members of the community.
Although Gerald Aungier took possession of Colaba and Old Woman's Island in 1675, the development of these areas took a long time. In 1743, Colaba was leased to a Richard Broughton at Rs. 200 per annum; a lease that was renewed in 1764. The area was well-known for the variety of fishes in the nearby waters. The "bombil" (Bombay Duck), rawas, halwa, turtles, crabs, prawns and lobsters, could all be found here. By 1796 Colaba became a cantonment for troops. In Upper Colaba, the southern end of the island, a meteorological observatory was established in 1826. This was on the eastern side of the island. In the same year, a mental asylum was constructed on the western side.
With the completion of the Colaba Causeway in 1838, these remaining two islands were joined to the others. The price of land escalated and Colaba became the centre of commerce with the opening of the Cotton Exchange at Cotton Green in 1844. The Causeway was widened and strengthened in 1861 and again in 1863. It became a separate ward of the Municipality in 1872. Civil constructions in Colaba did not push out the troops. During this period, the Sick Bungalows, now known as INS Ashwini, were built.
~~~~Colaba Bazar~~~~
The Colaba market is immediately identifiable by the sharp smell of vegetables and fresh tropical vegetables. Packed to the hilt with people, cabs, beggars, vendors, the narrow pavements and the din make it almost impossible for you to walk along the road in a straight line.
Transport at this end of town was revolutionised by the introduction of horse-drawn tram-cars in 1873 by Stearns and Kitteredge, who had their offices on the west side of the Causeway where the Electric House now stands. The Prong's lighthouse, at the southern tip of the island, was constructed in 1875.
Also in the same year, the eponymous Sassoon Docks were built on reclaimed land by David Sassoon and the BB & CI Railways established their terminus in Colaba. These developments pushed the indigenous Kolis to the edges of the island, near the Sassoon Docks and to the west. About 90,000 square yards of land were reclaimed on the western shore of Colaba by the City Improvement Trust. The work was opposed by eminent citizens like Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, on the grounds that such a large area of land coming on the market would depress prices. The work was nevertheless carried out and completed in 1905. Land prices did not plummet.
A seafront road along with a raised sea-side promenade (the Parade, named after T. W. Cuffe of the Trust) was completed the following year.
~~~~Sassoon Dock~~~~
Residents of Colaba are familiar with the fishy smell of Sassoon docks which assaults their senses daily. By early morning, most of the little fishing boats are already docked, their bright flags flapping in the breeze. The auction of the day's catch takes place early in the morning around 5:30 am. Bargaining is noisy and mandatory.
~~~~Afghan Church~~~~
The army cantonment is half a kilometre south of Sassoon Dock. As you move in this direction along the Lower Colaba Road, you reach a basalt church with a lofty limestone spire.
This is the church of St. John, the Evangelist, consecrated in 1858, to "honour those who fell by sickness or by sword in the campaign of Sind and Afghanistan." In the earlier days, the Afghan Church, as it came to be called after the First Afghan War of 1838, used to garner a sizeable number of British officers for the Sunday morning sermon.
Work on the Church was completed in 1847 and it was consecrated in 1858. Work on the steeple was concluded in 1865.
~~~~Colaba Fishing Village~~~~
From the Afghan Church, the fishing village is about a kilometre away. You will pass the Dhobi ghat of Colaba and the skyscrapers of Cuffe Parade on the way. Your destination, Koliwada, is at the end of the road, opposite Badhwar Park (a large Railway staff colony).
The fishing village, is akin to the one at Worli seaface. Rows of small houses, stocked with refrigerators and TVs typify this settlement, apart from the PCO booths and the tiny boats beached at the shore towards the north.
I will take the series further by adding on a bit abt the landmarks in COLABA.....
Cheers,
Fa Ruchi.
Private Reply to Kreative Quest | | Feb 18, 2004 6:27 pm | | re: re: re: Discover Mumbai - The Series - About Colaba!!! (part 2) - Next Sunil Nair | # |
Kreative Quest | | Continuation of Part 1.... Landmarks in and around COLABA.....
~~~~~Gateway 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 was built in the 16th 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.The Gate was formally opened in 1924. Today it is a famous haunt for the residents for Mumbai. Near the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India.
~~~~~David Sassoon Library - A book lovers retreat~~~~~
The city of Mumbai reminds one of R L Stevenson's poem 'the Railway Carriage,' where there is no time to 'stand and stare.' But amidst the hustle bustle is a well disposed haven for readers - the David Sassoon Library. As one walks down the famed Kala Ghoda art district, you come across the library, a part of a row of Malad stone buildings that encompasses the Army Navy Building, Watson's Hotel and Elphinstone College. Built during British India in 1847 by Sir Albert Sassoon, the David Sassoon Library took a long 23 years to be completed. Named after his father David Sassoon, the cost of the building amounted to Rs 1,25,000, a hefty sum in pre-independent India.
~~~~~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.
~~~~~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 beautiful look... it is sometimes called the Queen's Necklace.
~~~~~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 children's park.
~~~~~Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya)~~~~~
Another structure to commemorate the visit of King George V. The building is build in Indio Sarcenic style and is set in a well laid ornamented garden. The central hall boasts of a huge dome which is believed to be inspired by the Golgumbaz. The museum was opened in 1923 and has an impressive collection of artifacts from Elephanta island, Jogeshwari Caves, Terracotta Figurines from the Indus valley, Ivory carvings, statues, a large collection of miniatures and a gloomy portrait of Abrahim Lincoln. The museum is divided into three sections art, archaeology and natural history.
~~~~~Victoria Terminus (V.T. / C.S.T)~~~~~
One of the most imposing buildings in Mumbai, it was from Victoria Terminus that the first train rolled out towards Thane. The Terminus carries the Gothic architectural style and is largest building designed by F.W Stevens. A large statue of queen Victoria is kept at the entrance of the terminus. The main structure is surmounted by a statue of progress. The clock on tower is 3.19m in diameter. carvings of peacocks, gargoyles, monkeys, elephants and British lions are mixed up among the buttresses, domes, turrets, spires and stained glass windows. The terminus looks more like a cathedral than a terminus.
~~~~~National Gallery of Modern Art~~~~~
The national gallery of Modern art in Mumbai exhibits lots of modern Indian art which are of a very high quality. The showcase includes a collection of some very interesting pieces of art. National Gallery is the revamped version of Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public hall. Near the National Gallery is the Jehangir art gallery which is the venue for exhibitions to many artists and on various occasions. The place also organizes exhibitions for touring exhibits.
~~~~~THE HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL~~~~~
The cathedral, designed by W A Chambers, a noted architect, opened for worship in January 1905. The facade of the building is surmounted by two lofty towers and is flanked on either side by the residence of the Archbishop and the Fort Convent school. The paintings in the church were rendered by an Italian Jesuit Brother, Antono Mocheini, at the turn of the last century.
~~~~~The Rajabhai Tower and University Buildings ~~~~~
An ambience of restful dignity characterizes the Bombay University complex which comprises two detached buildings, the Library and Convocation Hall, designed and completed in the year 1878 by Sir Gilbert Scott .The Convocation Hall has a beautiful circular stained glass window which consists of 12 zodiac signs on it.
~~~~~Bombay Stock Exchange ~~~~~
This is Bombay's Wall Street and is bursting with perplexed brokers and speculators until 2 o'clock in the afternoon every day when the stock market closes and the frenzied brokers move out to discuss the rise and fall of the sensex over lunch. Located on Dalal Street, the Bombay Stock Exchange is barely fifteen minutes away by foot from the Bombay University, through choked gullies. With over three thousand listed companies and nearly ten million investors, the BSE index is the most buoyant in the country. Boom time generates a rash of instant millionaires everyday. The building is a striking curvilinear skyscraper towering above the colonial buildings of Fort and inspires hundreds of hopefuls to flock its ramparts everyday to try their fortunes.
~~~~~Crawford Market~~~~~
Probably the last bastion of British Bombay, poised between the two worlds - the Fort and the bylanes of the old town. The structure is a cross between Flemish and Norman architecture with a bas-relief depicting Indian peasants in wheat fields just above the main entrance. The frieze was designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of British novelist Rudyard Kipling. He designed the fountain inside the market as well, but today it is barely visible, squashed under mounds of apples and mangoes. Crawford Market covers an area of 72000 square yards and was built of coarse Coorla rubble, relieved by bright redstone from Bassein. The Arthur Crawford Market was built during the tenure of Arthur Crawford as Bombay's Municipal Commissioner. The market was renamed Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market after a famous social reformer and houses a wholesale fruit and vegetable market, poultry, fish and meat stalls and a few stalls selling smuggled goods like Mars, Toblerone and Kraft cheese. During summer, the market smells of sweet mangoes as the King of Fruits swarms the place. If you happen to frequent this part of Mumbai city during summer, drop in at Badshah Juice Center for a mango milkshake. You won't regret it.
~~~~~Regal, Eros & Metro Cinema ~~~~~
Regal cinema was constructed in art-deco fashion of the 30's, Regal cinema was formally inaugurated by the Governor of Bombay in 1933. It is a multi-use building combining a theatre with shops at street level. Its interiors were designed to create an impression of airiness, coolness and size in harmony with the modern simplicity of the exteriors.
The foundation of Eros Cinema was laid in 1935.This grand luxury cinema opened in 1938 thus establishing its presence at the pivotal urban junction where it is situated. Partially faced with red Agra sandstone, the building is painted cream - the combination making the building look taller. The Cinema is an excellent example of modern urban design.
A minute's walk to the left of Xavier's College brings you to the Dhobi Talao junction, where six roads converge. Here stands the Metro Cinema. It was inaugurated on 8th June 1938. The 2943 square yards plot was formerly occupied by Air Force stables and was acquired by the Metro Goldwyn Corporation in 1936 on a lease for 999 years at a nominal ground rent of Re. 1 per year.
~~~~~General Post Office~~~~~
Retrace your steps to Bhagat Singh Road. As you continue North, the road splits into two. The road to your left is Mint Road. The massive dome in brooding gray is the General Post Office. Worth taking a look are the old wooden counters and lofty arches of the three-storey high Rotunda Hall. Completed in 1872, the General Post Office features a vast central hall, which rises through the height of the building to the dome. Built in local basalt with dressings of yellow stone from Kurla and white stone from Dhrangadra, this landmark of the 1930s is one of the important tourist attractions in the city.
~~~~~The High Court ~~~~~
From the western side of Flora Fountain stretches the Veer Nariman Road. The pavements of this street are packed with roadside stalls selling books, old and new, classics and fiction, academic and porn literature. As you move along, at the intersecting Bhaurao Patil Road is the Bhikha Behram Kuwa, an eighteenth century well, which is considered sacred by the Parsi community. Non-Parsis are not allowed to enter but peering through the flower covered trellis, you can catch a glimpse of the Parsis wearing scarves and satin silk caps, some praying and others lighting the customary lamps. Further down the road are the Western Railway Headquarters, the majestic building in gray stone facade and white plaster cuppolas. Next to it is Churchgate Station, a sterile post-Independence building teeming with hundreds of commuters at any given time of the day. If you backtrack to the Bhaurao Patil Road, you will confront an impressive Gothic structure in gray stone - the High Court. The four storeyed High Court was completed in 1878. This was the site of the Esplanade, a bowling green just outside the fort walls, which were struck down in the 1860s to make way for a row of public buildings.
~~~~~The Jehangir Art Gallery ~~~~~
Facing the Prince of Wales Museum, if you take the second road to your left, a five minute walk brings you to the city's famous Jehangir Art Gallery. It was built through the generous donations of Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney and is today the foremost showcase of Art and Artists' works, both established and upcoming. It is the uncrowned Mecca of Art in Mumbai City and is located at Kalaghoda, opposite Rhythm House and Khyber Restaurant. Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney used his millions to also gift the city with a Convocation Hall called the Cowasji Jehangir Hall. It was built as a part of the grant given to Bombay University.
~~~~~The Municipal Corporation Building ~~~~~
Opposite VT station are the stark headquarters of the Bombay Municipal Corporation. Many prominent citizens like Sir Pherozeshah Mehta and Sir Dinshaw Wacha were members of the Municipal Corporation. This building was designed by FW Stevens and completed in 1893. The imposing tower rises to a height of 235 feet above the ground. The outstanding feature of the building is the Council Chamber with a ceiling of unpolished teak. At the entrance stands a splendid bronze statue of Sir Pherozshah Mehta. Next to the BMC is a low building in black stone with Gothic windows. This is the Times of India building - the leading daily of the country. On the road parallel to this road and almost behind the TOI building is the St Xaviers College. This imposing structure was designed by Father Wagner of the Society of Jesus and completed in 1873. The college is today one of the leading educational institutions of Mumbai.
~~~~~Oval Maidan ~~~~~
Opposite the High Court lies the Oval Maidan, a huge open field laced with palm trees and where aspiring cricketers play cricket on Sunday mornings. The Oval is the saving grace - a recreation ground, a breather in terms of open space midst the brick and mortar of the urbanized city.
~~~~~The Taj Mahal Hotel ~~~~~
Just across the Gateway of India is the Taj Mahal Hotel, commonly known as the Taj to all Mumbai residents. The Taj, which once played host to the viceroys and royal emissaries now welcomes business travelers from all over the world. The hotel was built by Indian industrialist Jamshedji Tata to snub the white-skin as he himself was a victim of racial bias during the days of the British Raj. It is believed that Chambers, the British architect, who designed the Taj, shot himself on viewing the completed hotel. The story goes that Chambers went on a holiday to recover from the tropical onslaught and on his return, found that the back of the completed hotel facing the seafront. So he did what any man of professional integrity would have done - he took his own life. But the hotel as it stands today is a masterpiece and offers an overview of the Gateway (from the rooms in the new wing) The sight of the of bobbing boats during the day and of the lit yachts at night from the first floor tea rooms are as appealing as ever.
~~~~~ASIATIC LIBRARY ~~~~~
Situated at Horniman Circle, the Asiatic Library is housed in a very impressive structure. In the first floor of the library are housed images of various Governors of Bombay.
~~~~~THE JEHANGIR NICHOLSON GALLERY ~~~~~
This gallery at the National Center of Performing Arts at Nariman Point has a superb collection of modern Indian art, which appears in rotation with special exebitions.
This concludes the series on Colaba and i now pass on the pen to Sunil Nair!!
Cheers,
Fa Ruchi.
Private Reply to Kreative Quest | | Feb 19, 2004 12:44 pm | | re: re: re: re: Discover Mumbai - The Series - About Colaba!!! (part 2) - Next Sunil Nair | # | 
nandini praveen | |
welcome to my side of town..ru this is too much aND I LOVE IT...THANKS
AND guys bombay is with sea.......
cheers
> Castle Builder wrote:
> Continuation of Part 1.... Landmarks in and around COLABA.....
>
>~~~~~Gateway 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 was built in the 16th 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.The Gate was formally opened in 1924. Today it is a famous haunt for the residents for Mumbai. Near the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India.
>
>
>~~~~~David Sassoon Library - A book lovers retreat~~~~~
>
>The city of Mumbai reminds one of R L Stevenson's poem 'the Railway Carriage,' where there is no time to 'stand and stare.' But amidst the hustle bustle is a well disposed haven for readers - the David Sassoon Library. As one walks down the famed Kala Ghoda art district, you come across the library, a part of a row of Malad stone buildings that encompasses the Army Navy Building, Watson's Hotel and Elphinstone College. Built during British India in 1847 by Sir Albert Sassoon, the David Sassoon Library took a long 23 years to be completed. Named after his father David Sassoon, the cost of the building amounted to Rs 1,25,000, a hefty sum in pre-independent India.
>
>
>~~~~~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.
>
>
>~~~~~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 beautiful look... it is sometimes called the Queen's Necklace.
>
>
>~~~~~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 children's park.
>
>
>~~~~~Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya)~~~~~
>
>Another structure to commemorate the visit of King George V. The building is build in Indio Sarcenic style and is set in a well laid ornamented garden. The central hall boasts of a huge dome which is believed to be inspired by the Golgumbaz. The museum was opened in 1923 and has an impressive collection of artifacts from Elephanta island, Jogeshwari Caves, Terracotta Figurines from the Indus valley, Ivory carvings, statues, a large collection of miniatures and a gloomy portrait of Abrahim Lincoln. The museum is divided into three sections art, archaeology and natural history.
>
>
>~~~~~Victoria Terminus (V.T. / C.S.T)~~~~~
>
>One of the most imposing buildings in Mumbai, it was from Victoria Terminus that the first train rolled out towards Thane. The Terminus carries the Gothic architectural style and is largest building designed by F.W Stevens. A large statue of queen Victoria is kept at the entrance of the terminus. The main structure is surmounted by a statue of progress. The clock on tower is 3.19m in diameter. carvings of peacocks, gargoyles, monkeys, elephants and British lions are mixed up among the buttresses, domes, turrets, spires and stained glass windows. The terminus looks more like a cathedral than a terminus.
>
>
>~~~~~National Gallery of Modern Art~~~~~
>
>The national gallery of Modern art in Mumbai exhibits lots of modern Indian art which are of a very high quality. The showcase includes a collection of some very interesting pieces of art. National Gallery is the revamped version of Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public hall. Near the National Gallery is the Jehangir art gallery which is the venue for exhibitions to many artists and on various occasions. The place also organizes exhibitions for touring exhibits.
>
>
>~~~~~THE HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL~~~~~
>
>The cathedral, designed by W A Chambers, a noted architect, opened for worship in January 1905. The facade of the building is surmounted by two lofty towers and is flanked on either side by the residence of the Archbishop and the Fort Convent school. The paintings in the church were rendered by an Italian Jesuit Brother, Antono Mocheini, at the turn of the last century.
>
>
>~~~~~The Rajabhai Tower and University Buildings ~~~~~
>
>An ambience of restful dignity characterizes the Bombay University complex which comprises two detached buildings, the Library and Convocation Hall, designed and completed in the year 1878 by Sir Gilbert Scott .The Convocation Hall has a beautiful circular stained glass window which consists of 12 zodiac signs on it.
>
>
>~~~~~Bombay Stock Exchange ~~~~~
>
>This is Bombay's Wall Street and is bursting with perplexed brokers and speculators until 2 o'clock in the afternoon every day when the stock market closes and the frenzied brokers move out to discuss the rise and fall of the sensex over lunch. Located on Dalal Street, the Bombay Stock Exchange is barely fifteen minutes away by foot from the Bombay University, through choked gullies. With over three thousand listed companies and nearly ten million investors, the BSE index is the most buoyant in the country. Boom time generates a rash of instant millionaires everyday. The building is a striking curvilinear skyscraper towering above the colonial buildings of Fort and inspires hundreds of hopefuls to flock its ramparts everyday to try their fortunes.
>
>
>~~~~~Crawford Market~~~~~
>
>Probably the last bastion of British Bombay, poised between the two worlds - the Fort and the bylanes of the old town. The structure is a cross between Flemish and Norman architecture with a bas-relief depicting Indian peasants in wheat fields just above the main entrance. The frieze was designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of British novelist Rudyard Kipling. He designed the fountain inside the market as well, but today it is barely visible, squashed under mounds of apples and mangoes. Crawford Market covers an area of 72000 square yards and was built of coarse Coorla rubble, relieved by bright redstone from Bassein. The Arthur Crawford Market was built during the tenure of Arthur Crawford as Bombay's Municipal Commissioner. The market was renamed Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market after a famous social reformer and houses a wholesale fruit and vegetable market, poultry, fish and meat stalls and a few stalls selling smuggled goods like Mars, Toblerone and Kraft cheese. During summer, the market smells of sweet mangoes as the King of Fruits swarms the place. If you happen to frequent this part of Mumbai city during summer, drop in at Badshah Juice Center for a mango milkshake. You won't regret it.
>
>
>~~~~~Regal, Eros & Metro Cinema ~~~~~
>
>Regal cinema was constructed in art-deco fashion of the 30's, Regal cinema was formally inaugurated by the Governor of Bombay in 1933. It is a multi-use building combining a theatre with shops at street level. Its interiors were designed to create an impression of airiness, coolness and size in harmony with the modern simplicity of the exteriors.
>
>The foundation of Eros Cinema was laid in 1935.This grand luxury cinema opened in 1938 thus establishing its presence at the pivotal urban junction where it is situated. Partially faced with red Agra sandstone, the building is painted cream - the combination making the building look taller. The Cinema is an excellent example of modern urban design.
>
>A minute's walk to the left of Xavier's College brings you to the Dhobi Talao junction, where six roads converge. Here stands the Metro Cinema. It was inaugurated on 8th June 1938. The 2943 square yards plot was formerly occupied by Air Force stables and was acquired by the Metro Goldwyn Corporation in 1936 on a lease for 999 years at a nominal ground rent of Re. 1 per year.
>
>
>~~~~~General Post Office~~~~~
>
>Retrace your steps to Bhagat Singh Road. As you continue North, the road splits into two. The road to your left is Mint Road. The massive dome in brooding gray is the General Post Office. Worth taking a look are the old wooden counters and lofty arches of the three-storey high Rotunda Hall. Completed in 1872, the General Post Office features a vast central hall, which rises through the height of the building to the dome. Built in local basalt with dressings of yellow stone from Kurla and white stone from Dhrangadra, this landmark of the 1930s is one of the important tourist attractions in the city.
>
>
>~~~~~The High Court ~~~~~
>
>From the western side of Flora Fountain stretches the Veer Nariman Road. The pavements of this street are packed with roadside stalls selling books, old and new, classics and fiction, academic and porn literature. As you move along, at the intersecting Bhaurao Patil Road is the Bhikha Behram Kuwa, an eighteenth century well, which is considered sacred by the Parsi community. Non-Parsis are not allowed to enter but peering through the flower covered trellis, you can catch a glimpse of the Parsis wearing scarves and satin silk caps, some praying and others lighting the customary lamps. Further down the road are the Western Railway Headquarters, the majestic building in gray stone facade and white plaster cuppolas. Next to it is Churchgate Station, a sterile post-Independence building teeming with hundreds of commuters at any given time of the day. If you backtrack to the Bhaurao Patil Road, you will confront an impressive Gothic structure in gray stone - the High Court. The four storeyed High Court was completed in 1878. This was the site of the Esplanade, a bowling green just outside the fort walls, which were struck down in the 1860s to make way for a row of public buildings.
>
>
>~~~~~The Jehangir Art Gallery ~~~~~
>
>Facing the Prince of Wales Museum, if you take the second road to your left, a five minute walk brings you to the city's famous Jehangir Art Gallery. It was built through the generous donations of Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney and is today the foremost showcase of Art and Artists' works, both established and upcoming. It is the uncrowned Mecca of Art in Mumbai City and is located at Kalaghoda, opposite Rhythm House and Khyber Restaurant. Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney used his millions to also gift the city with a Convocation Hall called the Cowasji Jehangir Hall. It was built as a part of the grant given to Bombay University.
>
>
>~~~~~The Municipal Corporation Building ~~~~~
>
>Opposite VT station are the stark headquarters of the Bombay Municipal Corporation. Many prominent citizens like Sir Pherozeshah Mehta and Sir Dinshaw Wacha were members of the Municipal Corporation. This building was designed by FW Stevens and completed in 1893. The imposing tower rises to a height of 235 feet above the ground. The outstanding feature of the building is the Council Chamber with a ceiling of unpolished teak. At the entrance stands a splendid bronze statue of Sir Pherozshah Mehta. Next to the BMC is a low building in black stone with Gothic windows. This is the Times of India building - the leading daily of the country. On the road parallel to this road and almost behind the TOI building is the St Xaviers College. This imposing structure was designed by Father Wagner of the Society of Jesus and completed in 1873. The college is today one of the leading educational institutions of Mumbai.
>
>
>~~~~~Oval Maidan ~~~~~
>
>Opposite the High Court lies the Oval Maidan, a huge open field laced with palm trees and where aspiring cricketers play cricket on Sunday mornings. The Oval is the saving grace - a recreation ground, a breather in terms of open space midst the brick and mortar of the urbanized city.
>
>
>~~~~~The Taj Mahal Hotel ~~~~~
>
>Just across the Gateway of India is the Taj Mahal Hotel, commonly known as the Taj to all Mumbai residents. The Taj, which once played host to the viceroys and royal emissaries now welcomes business travelers from all over the world. The hotel was built by Indian industrialist Jamshedji Tata to snub the white-skin as he himself was a victim of racial bias during the days of the British Raj. It is believed that Chambers, the British architect, who designed the Taj, shot himself on viewing the completed hotel. The story goes that Chambers went on a holiday to recover from the tropical onslaught and on his return, found that the back of the completed hotel facing the seafront. So he did what any man of professional integrity would have done - he took his own life. But the hotel as it stands today is a masterpiece and offers an overview of the Gateway (from the rooms in the new wing) The sight of the of bobbing boats during the day and of the lit yachts at night from the first floor tea rooms are as appealing as ever.
>
>
>~~~~~ASIATIC LIBRARY ~~~~~
>
>Situated at Horniman Circle, the Asiatic Library is housed in a very impressive structure. In the first floor of the library are housed images of various Governors of Bombay.
>
>
>~~~~~THE JEHANGIR NICHOLSON GALLERY ~~~~~
>
>This gallery at the National Center of Performing Arts at Nariman Point has a superb collection of modern Indian art, which appears in rotation with special exebitions.
>
>
>This concludes the series on Colaba and i now pass on the pen to Sunil Nair!!
>
>Cheers,
>
>Fa Ruchi.
> Private Reply to nandini praveen | | Jul 31, 2004 10:34 am | | When its Mumbai how can we miss our very VT ne CSTre: Discover Mumbai - The Series ( Ranten....next) | # | 
Rupali Nimkar | |
Mumbai's very own Victoria Terminus now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus(CST), a place which is lifeline for millions of Mumbaikers.
In July this year it was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
It is still popularly knowns as VT, in 1888 the the station was completed and it took ten years to complete the construction. It was built to to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.
Interesting facts about VT:
~The cost of contruction of the train terminus Rs 16.36 lakhs.
~the grand structure was built by Fredrick Williams Stevens, an architect with the Public Works Department designed the terminus.
~It covers an area of 1,500 feet on the main road.
~Its unique because very few heritage buildings are functional. It still fulfills the original purpose--as headquarter and a functional railway station.
~Everyday 1,080 'local'trains arrive and depart from the station and around 3 million commuters travel in these trains and touch the station.
~It has a staff of 120 cleaners who keep the building clean and 100-150 policmen and Railway Police for security.
~The building has 3 huge working clocks and a team which exclusively works on keep them ticking all the time.
Truly breath-taking is the grandeur and the history of this place.
Next time when you are at the VT station dont forget to look-up and appreciate its large domes, stained glass and the gargoyles.
For a good read check out:http://specials.rediff.com/news/2004/jul/28vt.htm
> Sir Lancelot wrote:
> Ranten,
>can you please take time to progress on this one? And also delegate the next writer
>
>Fu Lalit
>
>> Nehul Goradia wrote:
>> Sir Fu Lancelot,
>>
>>I accept the honour of writing the inaugural piece on Discover Mumbai - The Series.
>>
>>I thought to start with I should write on a service which is a very inherent part of Mumbai - The Railways.
>>
>>The Railways have served as the lifeline of Bombay ever since the first train ran at 3:35pm on April 16th, 1853, when a train with 14 railway carriages and 400 guests left Bombay's Bori Bunder for Thane, with a 21-gun salute. It was hauled by three locomotives: Sindh, Sultan, and Sahib. The journey took an hour and fifteen minutes.
>>
>>Ever since then life in Bombay (oopps.. Mumbai - forgive my fufa...) cannot be imagined without the Railways.
>>
>>The first trains had extremely uncomfortable third class coaches. There were no seats, and the windows could be reached only by rather tall people. These coaches were called, quite appropriately, Bakra Gadi.
>>
>>In 1855 the Bombay Baroda and Central Indian Railway Company (BB & CI) was incorporated and undertook to build a line from Surat to Bombay. Work commenced in the same year, and was completed in 1864. In 1863 a railway line to the Deccan over the Bhor Ghat was inaugurated by Sir Bartle Frere.
>>
>>BB&CI started the first suburban line, between Virar and a station in Bombay Backbay, in the year 1867. In the beginning there was only one train each way every day, but the number of trains began to increase from the 1870's. In 1872 the line was extended to Arthur Bunder in Colaba.
>>
>>The Harbour line of the GPI was started in February 1925. About the same time, electrification of the suburban railways began.
>>
>>
>>The above is just a bit of History after a brief research. I now request Fu Ranten to start fufaing by writing the next article on the series.
>>
>>Pls send me your views on the above.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>
>>Fu Nehul
>>
>>
>> Private Reply to Rupali Nimkar | | Jul 31, 2004 11:29 am | | Discover Mumbai - The Series -Thankyou Rupali | # |
FuFaji Lalit Vashishta | | Thankyou Rupali for re-starting the Discover Mumbai series.
I expect the new Fufas to take the lead now and keep the series on.
Cheers
Lalit
> Rupali Nimkar wrote:
>
>Mumbai's very own Victoria Terminus now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus(CST), a place which is lifeline for millions of Mumbaikers.
>In July this year it was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
>It is still popularly knowns as VT, in 1888 the the station was completed and it took ten years to complete the construction. It was built to to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.
>
>Interesting facts about VT:
>~The cost of contruction of the train terminus Rs 16.36 lakhs.
>~the grand structure was built by Fredrick Williams Stevens, an architect with the Public Works Department designed the terminus.
>~It covers an area of 1,500 feet on the main road.
>~Its unique because very few heritage buildings are functional. It still fulfills the original purpose--as headquarter and a functional railway station.
>~Everyday 1,080 'local'trains arrive and depart from the station and around 3 million commuters travel in these trains and touch the station.
>~It has a staff of 120 cleaners who keep the building clean and 100-150 policmen and Railway Police for security.
>~The building has 3 huge working clocks and a team which exclusively works on keep them ticking all the time.
>
>Truly breath-taking is the grandeur and the history of this place.
>Next time when you are at the VT station dont forget to look-up and appreciate its large domes, stained glass and the gargoyles.
>
>For a good read check out:http://specials.rediff.com/news/2004/jul/28vt.htm
>
>
>> Sir Lancelot wrote:
>> Ranten,
>>can you please take time to progress on this one? And also delegate the next writer
>>
>>Fu Lalit
>>
>>> Nehul Goradia wrote:
>>> Sir Fu Lancelot,
>>>
>>>I accept the honour of writing the inaugural piece on Discover Mumbai - The Series.
>>>
>>>I thought to start with I should write on a service which is a very inherent part of Mumbai - The Railways.
>>>
>>>The Railways have served as the lifeline of Bombay ever since the first train ran at 3:35pm on April 16th, 1853, when a train with 14 railway carriages and 400 guests left Bombay's Bori Bunder for Thane, with a 21-gun salute. It was hauled by three locomotives: Sindh, Sultan, and Sahib. The journey took an hour and fifteen minutes.
>>>
>>>Ever since then life in Bombay (oopps.. Mumbai - forgive my fufa...) cannot be imagined without the Railways.
>>>
>>>The first trains had extremely uncomfortable third class coaches. There were no seats, and the windows could be reached only by rather tall people. These coaches were called, quite appropriately, Bakra Gadi.
>>>
>>>In 1855 the Bombay Baroda and Central Indian Railway Company (BB & CI) was incorporated and undertook to build a line from Surat to Bombay. Work commenced in the same year, and was completed in 1864. In 1863 a railway line to the Deccan over the Bhor Ghat was inaugurated by Sir Bartle Frere.
>>>
>>>BB&CI started the first suburban line, between Virar and a station in Bombay Backbay, in the year 1867. In the beginning there was only one train each way every day, but the number of trains began to increase from the 1870's. In 1872 the line was extended to Arthur Bunder in Colaba.
>>>
>>>The Harbour line of the GPI was started in February 1925. About the same time, electrification of the suburban railways began.
>>>
>>>
>>>The above is just a bit of History after a brief research. I now request Fu Ranten to start fufaing by writing the next article on the series.
>>>
>>>Pls send me your views on the above.
>>>
>>>Cheers,
>>>
>>>Fu Nehul
>>>
>>>
>>>Private Reply to FuFaji Lalit Vashishta | | May 15, 2005 6:23 am | | re: Discover Mumbai - The Series | # |
Nair | | anyways now the windows are there, but outside it is a sight to see. people openly defecating. the smell of gutters and feaces assails ones nostrils through the window. bandra creek is a diferent story. only the hardened mumbaites can withstand the horrible stench, while newcomers to mumbai have to prevent the assailing of the olfactory nerves.
Mumbai trains have become like people stuffed in sardine cans where people pick up cat fights and claw each other (esp women.)luckily for me, having to teach in a local school in the suburbs, i barely get to travel in these inhuman conditions.
gita subramanianPrivate Reply to Nair | | Oct 05, 2006 3:04 am | | re: Discover Mumbai - The Series -Thankyou Rupali | # | 
Tushar | | Thanks FUFA for the info on South Mumbai. There is also a Jewish Synagouge near Jehangir Art Gallery which has been missed.
But the info was really great, we staying in Mumbai still do not know many of it.
Please also write about other parts of Mumbai.
TusharPrivate Reply to Tushar | | |
| |
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