Who Designed Gateway of India?
VerifiedAnswer: George Wittet
Explanation:
The magnificent Gateway of India was designed by George Wittet, a Scottish architect who made significant contributions to Mumbai's architectural landscape. Wittet was the chief architect of the Bombay Public Works Department when he was commissioned to design this iconic monument in 1911.
The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai (then Bombay) in December 1911. George Wittet drew inspiration from Indo-Saracenic architecture, which beautifully blends Indian, Islamic, and British architectural elements. This style became very popular during the British colonial period and can be seen in many important buildings across India.
Wittet's design features a grand arch that stands 26 meters high and is built using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The structure showcases intricate latticework and combines elements from 16th-century Gujarati architecture with Roman triumphal arches. The four turrets and the intricate stone latticework are particularly noteworthy features of his design.
Construction of the Gateway began in 1915 and was completed in 1924. George Wittet carefully positioned the monument to face the Arabian Sea, creating a dramatic and welcoming entrance to Mumbai from the water. Interestingly, this same gateway later became the symbolic exit point for British forces when India gained independence in 1947.
Beyond the Gateway of India, George Wittet also designed several other prominent buildings in Mumbai, including the Prince of Wales Museum (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) and the Institute of Science. His architectural legacy continues to define Mumbai's colonial-era skyline and attracts millions of visitors from around the world who come to admire his masterful blend of Eastern and Western architectural traditions.
