History of Maharashtra State
Maharashtra is a fascinating state entrenched in the western part of India, which is home to a multitude of rich cultural and traditional practices. The land is known for its diverse and chromatic sprees, and it is one of the most admired states in India. This magnificent state comprises of an assortment of six different divisions and thirty-six districts, each of which has its own lore, customs, and traditions. Established in 1960, this state occupies a colossal physical space and is the third-largest in India while being the second most populous state in the country. Maharashtra is a linguistic paradise, and it is a delightful melting pot of languages such as Marathi, English, Hindi, and many others. Marathi holds a special and significant place in the hearts of the people of Maharashtra, and it is the mother language of the state.
Introduction:
While starting the Travel2Maharashtra, we will first start from Mumbai. Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and the most economically important city in India. Mumbai is a diverse and vibrant metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist seamlessly. Mumbai is known as the financial, commercial and entertainment hub of India. Mumbai is also known as the “City of Dreams”, Mumbai is a magnificent metropolis located on the west coast of India. With its rich blend of history, culture and modernity, this bustling city has captured the imagination of millions. In this blog post, we are starting our Travel2Maharashtra from Mumbai. So we will try to uncover Mumbai and some of its iconic landmarks, neighbourhood’s, street food delights, Bollywood and entertainment industry and spirituality and architectural marvels.
Iconic landmarks In Mumbai:
Mumbai, the vibrant metropolis on the western coast of India, is adorned with numerous iconic landmarks that reflect its rich history, culture, and architectural splendor. Here are some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in Mumbai.
A) The Gateway of India: One of the best Iconic Landmarks in Mumbai the Gateway of India is not only a stunning architectural monument but also an architectural landmark of historical importance. Which is an arch-monument built in the early 20th century. It was built to commemorate George V and Queen Mary, the first British monarch to visit India in December 1911. The monumental structure features elements of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles inspired by 16th-century Gujarati architectural elements, intricate lattice work and a monumental arch made of striking basalt. The foundation stone for this monument was laid in March 1913. And architect George Wittet approved the final design of the monument only in 1914 and construction was completed in 1924. And the height of the Gateway of India is 26 meters (85 feet). Which is built using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The monument is adorned with four turrets and is a monument of grandeur and opulence. From here, you can take the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island to explore the ancient Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the years, the Gateway of India has become an important cultural landmark in Mumbai.
B) Bandra-Worli Sea Link: The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Arabian Sea, connecting the neighbourhoods of Bandra in western Mumbai to Worli in south Mumbai. It is a crucial part of the Western Express Highway and has significantly improved connectivity and reduced travel time between the two areas. The sea link is an engineering marvel, designed to withstand high winds, tidal forces, and seismic activity. The bridge is supported by cable-stayed towers that rise from the sea and connect to the road deck. The steel and concrete structure of the sea link showcases modern design and engineering techniques. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link stretches for approximately 5.6 KM and has eight lanes, allowing smooth flow of vehicular traffic in both directions. It includes twin carriageways supported by concrete piers and is designed to accommodate around 37,500 vehicles per day. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is not just a functional structure but also an architectural masterpiece. Its sleek and modern design, illuminated with LED lights during the night, adds to its visual appeal. The Bandra-Worli sea link has become an iconic symbol of Mumbai’s skyline and is often featured in photographs, films, and advertisements.
C) Elephanta Caves: Elephanta Caves are located on Gharpuri Island, 11 km from Mumbai city. Located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Elephanta Caves are a popular tourist destination. Elephanta Caves date back to the 5th to 8th centuries and its original name was Leni of Gharpuri. Elephanta Leni is believed to have been created during the reign of the Kalachuri dynasty. Elephanta Caves Bhagwan Caves are famous for their rock-cut architecture, exhibiting exquisite craftsmanship. The caves are carved out of solid basalt rock and contain intricate sculptures, reliefs and pillared halls. The intricate details and artistic beauty of the caves reflect the skill and dedication of the artisans who created them. The main cave, which is dedicated to Shiva and serves as a place of worship and meditation for Hindu devotees. Also called Elephanta Great Cave or Cave 1, it is the largest and most extensive cave in the complex. It houses a magnificent sculpture of Lord Shiva known as Maheshmurthy, which depicts him in a three-headed form as the creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe. The sculpture is an important representation of ancient Indian art and mythology.
D) Jahangir Art Gallery: Jahangir Art Gallery is one of the premier art galleries in India located in South Mumbai. The city of Mumbai has many structures that have survived the passage of time and one of the most important structures is the Jahangir Art Gallery. Jahangir Art Gallery was established in 1952 by Sir Kawasji. Jahangir Art Gallery hosts exhibitions of painters, sculptors, print-makers, artisans, ceramicists, photographers and weavers. It regularly organizes interesting lecture programs, organizes workshops and discussions on various art forms, and emphasizes education for the academically inclined and the general public. The art gallery was named as Jahangir Art Gallery in memory of Sir Kawasji’s son Jahangir. The gallery was conceived to promote and exhibit the works of Indian artists, both established and emerging. The gallery is prominently located near the famous Prince of Wales Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai. The gallery houses a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, textiles, and mixed media pieces. The collection includes works by renowned Indian artists as well as emerging artists. The gallery’s curators strive to curate exhibitions that reflect the breadth and depth of Indian art, providing a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and vision. The gallery is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the artwork and appreciate the talent of Indian artists. Admission to galleries is generally free, ensuring that art remains accessible to a wide range of audiences.
E) Asiatic Society of Mumbai: The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, also known as the Asiatic Society Library, is a prominent institution that maintains a rich collection of books, manuscripts and historical artefacts. The original name of this Asiatic Society of Mumbai was Bombay Literary Society. The Asiatic Society of Bombay was founded in 1804 by Sir James Mackintosh, a Scottish jurist and historian. This was the first attempt in Maharashtra to establish a library with a collection of various books, manuscripts and historical artefacts. It is one of the oldest learned societies in Asia. The society was established with the aim of promoting the study of Asian history, literature, culture and science. The Asiatic Society of Mumbai is housed in a historic building in the Fort area of Mumbai. The structure is an excellent example of Greek and Roman architecture with its imposing columns and ornate details. The design of the building reflects the colonial architecture prevalent during its construction. The society’s library is one of the oldest and most prestigious libraries in Mumbai. It has a vast collection of books, manuscripts, maps and documents on history, archaeology, linguistics, philosophy and Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pasiryan, Arabic, Marathi, Gujarati, Urdu, Greek, Latin, Italian and English languages. The library’s collection includes rare and valuable publications, making it a valuable resource for scholars, researchers and history buffs. This museum has more than one lakh books, two and a half thousand manuscripts and more than 1200 maps. Although the Asiatic Society of Bombay is known for its books, it also houses the artifacts found in the excavations at Sopara. The society has a collection of old coins. From fifth century Samudragupta coins, Akbar coins and Chhatrapati Shivaji reign coins, the total number of different coins is 12000.
Conclusion:
Mumbai boasts an impressive array of famous Iconic landmarks In Mumbai that have cemented the city’s reputation as a cultural, historical, and architectural hub. From awe-inspiring architectural marvels to revered cultural icons and symbols steeped in history, these landmarks are a testament to the city’s rich and vibrant heritage. Each landmark is a unique representation of the city’s vibrant spirit, culture, and history and, collectively, they embody the essence of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India. Visitors to this captivating city marvel at these iconic landmarks, which are a living testament to its dynamic and fascinating past and present. As one explores these renowned sites, they are transported to a world of wonder, beauty, and historical significance, making it easy to see why Mumbai is considered one of the most charming and unique cities in the world.