Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai
About
Located in the gardens of Mumbai University,
Rajabai Clock Tower consists of 5 elaborately
decorated storeys. The tower is 280 ft. in height
commanding a fine view of the city. Next to
the High Court, the Venetian -Gothic University
has a Gothic clock tower that is curiously adorned
with oriental figures. In the old days it used
to play Rule Britannia, God Save the King and
a Handel Symphony among sixteen tunes that changed
four times a day; now the repertoire is limited
to the wafting chimes of the Big Ben on the
quarter hour. The Clock Tower is named after
the mother of a 19th century stockbroker, who
contributed towards its construction. It has
a spiral staircase, which is unfortunately closed
to the visitors after several unhappy citizens
hurled themselves from the top. Under the clock
tower is the magnificent University Library,
with what are undoubtedly some of the most exquisite
stained glass windows in Asia. These have recently
been treated by British conservationists and
restored to their pristine glory. Well worth
a look. Architects who spent most of their working
years in the city designed most buildings in
Mumbai. The buildings of the University in the
fort campus are the exception-- the English
architect Sir Gilbert Scott designed them. The
'Cotton King' and banker, Premchand Roychand,
funded the library and the Rajabai clock tower,
in memory of his mother Rajabai, with its marvelous
sculpted figures. The convocation hall was funded
by the man with the deepest pockets in Bombay--
Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney. One of Mumbai's
outstanding landmarks, the Rajabai Clock Tower
is situated in the gardens of Mumbai University.
Inspired by Giotto's Companile in Florence,
Gilbert Scott planned the structure. It was
completed in the 1870's.
Location
Rajabai Clock Tower is situated in the gardens
of Mumbai University.
Time
1100 to 1700
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