An artistic illustration of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) building

Victoria Terminus: A Gothic Masterpiece

Published on October 28, 2023 | By Kruti Garg

Standing as a testament to the High Gothic dream of 19th-century Bombay, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) is more than a railway station; it is the city's crown jewel. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, its design represents the pinnacle of a unique architectural language that flourished here.

Urbs Prima in Indis

The statue of 'Progress' atop its central dome looks over a city that was declared "Urbs Prima in Indis"—the First City of India. The building's design, a hybrid of Victorian Gothic Revival and traditional Indian styles, is a breathtaking spectacle. Notice the gargoyles, stained-glass windows, and soaring arches, all intricately detailed by students from the Sir J.J. School of Art.

This is not just British architecture built on Indian soil. It is a collaborative masterpiece, where Venetian Gothic forms meet Mughal-inspired domes and Indian wildlife carvings. It’s this rich, layered storytelling that inspires so many of our products, from the "Clock Tower Cocktail Cups" to the intricate lines in our art frames. Each glance at CST is a reminder of Bombay's ambitious spirit—a spirit we aim to capture and share.