Beyond the Arch: The Gateway's Legacy

While Bombay is celebrated for its Gothic skyline, the grand waterfront tells a slightly different story. The triumvirate of the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and the Prince of Wales Museum marks a significant architectural shift towards the Indo-Saracenic style—a language that consciously sought to blend Indian and European aesthetics in a new way.

A New Architectural Language

Built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the Gateway of India is a magnificent example of this style. Its grand arch is Roman, but the intricate latticework (jalis) and decorative brackets are purely Indian. It’s a symbol of a new era, looking both to the West and deep within India for its inspiration.

"It's an ode to the past with relevance in the present."

This architectural shift is a powerful narrative we explore in our "Gateway to India" series. It represents a city confident in its identity, able to absorb global influences without losing its local soul. From our thermal flasks to our tote bags, the motifs inspired by this era celebrate a Bombay that is both worldly and deeply rooted in its own culture.