Declared
as the world heritage site in 2004, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of
Mumbai was formerly known as Victoria Terminus. Its unique architecture
attracts the attention of the tourists. It presents a harmonious blend
of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with traditional Indian
architecture. Designed by the British architect, this terminal took ten
years to complete. Started in 1878, it is based on late medieval Italian
models, though its stone dome, eccebtric ground plan, turrets and
pointed arches are undoubtedly inspired by Indian palatial architectural
style. British architects worked along with master and skilled Indian
craftsmen to achieve this unique impression. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Bombay (the old name of Mumbai) has become an icon of the Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture in India that has been modified to suite the regional tastes by combining the Indian architectural elements. The 19th century railway station presented a daunting impression of Mumbai being a major mercantile port city on the Indian Subcontinent during that period, as much as it does today. The building presents quite advanced structural and technical solutions for such architectural structures and represents the royalty of medieval India. It is a befitting monument to welcome the tourist who comes to visit Mumbai as a seat of Bollywood, Indian film industry, with its dramatic look and as a land that is known to churn dreams into reality.
