Information on Mumbai Municipal Corporation (Mumbai, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation better known as the Bombay Municipal Corporation Building (or BMC building) is one of the Grade IIA legacy buildings of the world. It has been specifically classified as one of the Worlds largest architectural heritage by the UNESCO. It is situated near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, which is within the jurisdiction of South Mumbai. The Dadabhai Naoroji Road along with Mahapalika Marg is close to the great Mumbai Municipal Corporation building. The BMC building emphasizes on controlling and managing the city of Mumbai.

Presently, this building is named as the Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika. Likewise, the Municipal Corporation of the Greater Mumbai believes in a motto which states "Where there is Righteousness, there shall be Victory". The same motto is emblazoned in its symbol. It is the largest government body of the country that has a total area of about 434 square kilometres.

Mumbai Municipal Corporation Architecture

The architectural significance of the Corporation building of Mumbai is very interesting. Before the establishment of the building two styles of architecture namely, F. W. Stevens' Gothic style and the Indo-Saracenic style of Robert Fellowes Chisholm were presented. However, the Gothic style of architecture was utilized for construction of the structure. It was finally established in the year 1893.

The Corporation building of Mumbai is a massive tower with an elevation of 255 feet (77.7 metre). The figure of Sir Pherozshah Mehta, which is made up of bronze at the entrance of the Corporation, adds to the architectural significance. To enhance the architectural aspect of the building a dome is created in the centre, which rises to a height of about 235 feet. Also, in the centre of the building there lies an interesting structure that signifies the first city of India, named "urbs prima in indis". Then we move towards the highly organized and wealthy designed panel of the Chamber of Council, the roofs of which are covered with unpolished teak. The place of public hangings popularly known as the Phansi Talao or Gallows Tank is situated around this place. The peculiar style of architecture used for the establishment of this monument, is the most popular style used during the mid fifteenth to seventeenth century. Also, the other historic and prosperous monuments of Mumbai like the Rajabai Tower, the Bombay University building and many more are also established using this style of architecture. However, the year 1750 mark the initiation of modern architecture in India. One of the well built architectural achievements is the Corporation building.

Mumbai Municipal Corporation History

The Bombay Municipal Corporation building is one of the oldest structures built in Mumbai during the British rule. The massive structure was set up on 1863 with Arthur Crawford as the first and foremost Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai (then Bombay). At early stages the office of the municipal corporation was at Girgaum Road. However, in the beginning of the year 1970, the office was transferred from there to Esplanade. Finally on 9th December, 1884 the building was placed at its current location that is near the Victoria Terminus (presently called the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). To add to the information, the first groundwork stone was laid under the command of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Ripon.

Mumbai Municipal Corporation Tourism Importance

The Bombay Municipal Corporation serves greatly to the tourism industry all over the world. This corporation provides great assistance in the field of education, public health, art and culture of the country, which automatically attract the tourists for a sight of this great architectural project of India. The Building is at the heart of the city hence, making it a hot spot for the tourists.