Interesting facts about the Gateway of India in Mumbai

New Delhi: The Gateway of India is a monument built during the British Raj in Mumbai and an important landmark in the history of India. Located on the waterfront in South Mumbai this monument overlooks the Arabian Sea.It is about 26 metres (85 feet) high and the structure is a basalt arch. It lies at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg at the water's edge in Mumbai Harbour.It is believed that The Gateway of India would have been the first structure that visitors arriving by boat in Mumbai would have seen in earlier timesIt has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai.One who travel to Mumbai make it a point to visit the monument.Prior to the Delhi Durbar, in December 1911, the monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to MumbaiFrom the beginning of the 21st century The Gateway of India has has faced three terror attacks; twice in 2003 and it was also the disembarkation point in 2008 when four gunmen attacked the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.1. In the year 1920 Gateway of India was built by the Government of India. 2. On March 31, 1911 the foundation of the building was laid.3. The Indian Government in 1914 sanctioned the design for the monument. The design of the monument was given by George Wittet. 4. It took around 21 lakhs for the construction of the monument which was borne mainly by the Government of India.5. The approach road to the Gateway was never built because of the lack of funds.6. The Gateway has been built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. 7. While it is Indo-Saracenic in architectural style, elements are derived from the Muslim architectural styles of 16th century Gujarat and local styles of architecture as well.8. The central dome of the monument is around 15 meters in diameter.9. On December 4, 1924 The Viceroy, Earl of Reading inaugurated the gateway in Mumbai 10. The Gateway is designed with intricate latticework and it has four turrets11. The First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry was the last of the British troops which left India after its Independence. 12. On February 28, 1948, incidentally the troop passed through the Gateway while retreating13. Even the last of the British ships, set sail for England from Gateway of India in Mumbai 14. Behind the Gateway, steps lead down to the waterfront, where boat trips are available for locations such as Elephanta Island.15. Later, The statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda were installed at the Gateway.