Introducing the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is a monument to the history of the country, as well as a symbol of new independence and resilience. The eclectic Indo-Saracenic style of the gateway is a combination of Gothic Revival with several Indian and Islamic motifs. Built to symbolize the wealth and power of the British Empire, this triumphal arch is now a reminder of the independence of India from British colonization Today, it remains one of the most visited sites in Mumbai.
Historic Context
Even though the Gateway of India was built to commemorate the coronation of King George V as Emperor of India, the structure was not quite complete when the King and Queen Mary visited. It is said that a temporary structure made of cardboard was constructed on the end of a small pier where the coronation ceremony took place. It was designed by George Wittet, a Scottish architect, and was used as a prototype for the final design of the archway. Twenty-three years after the completion of the Gateway, India became independent, and the last of the British troops stationed in India left through the Gateway in a symbolic exit in 1948.
The Gateway of India Today
Today the Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s top tourist attractions, and is a gathering spot for locals and vendors. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. While the Gateway is symbolic of colonial subjugation, it also evokes a sense of cultural identity and belonging to those in Mumbai, which can be paradoxical to some. The architecture of the Gateway helped shape the skyline of Mumbai, as Islamic, British, and Indian motifs can be seen in the architecture of buildings surrounding the site today.
Indo-Saracenic Style
The monument measures 26 meters high with a14 meter diameter dome. The structure was built using yellow basalt-stones enmeshed into a reinforced concrete structure and features impressive carved stone latticework known as jali. Jali is a common feature of Indo-Islamic architecture, jali meaning “net” is a form of architectural decoration of perforated stone through the use or geometric or calligraphic designs.
Gateway of India Animation by CyArkCyArk
Expedition Overview
CyArk documented the Gateway of India in February 2019 in collaboration with the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra. The focus of the expedition was to document the monument's exterior surfaces as the monument has experienced some deterioration due to salt build up especially on the seaward side. CyArk used a combination of laser scanning with a FARO X330 and terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry completed with a Phase One Medium format camera, a Nikon D810 and DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone. Access to the roof of the monument was provided to CyArk staff.
Gateway of India Detail by CyArkCyArk
Additional Resources
For more information on this site, its history and additional resources relating to CyArk’s work please visit
CyArk Gateway of India Resources.
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This project was made possible through the generous support of Seagate and the following partners:
Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra
