To commemorate the visit of which royal figure(s) was the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai built?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer: King George V and Queen Mary
Explanation —
Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India was constructed in 1911 to commemorate the arrival of the British monarch, King George V, and Queen Mary in India, and their disembarkation at Apollo Bunder in Mumbai (then known as Bombay). However, its foundation stone was laid in 1913, and construction was completed in 1924. Its architect was George Wittet. Its architecture represents a blend of the 'Indo-Saracenic' style, incorporating elements of 16th-century Gujarati architecture.
Additional Points —
Final Departure: In 1948, the last contingent of the British Army (the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry) departed for Britain through this very gateway.
Queen Victoria: The 'Victoria Memorial' in Kolkata was built in her memory.
Prince of Wales: The 'Prince of Wales Museum' (now the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) was built to commemorate his visit in 1875.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers —
Question: Who was the chief architect of the Gateway of India?
Answer: George Wittet.
Question: What is the difference between India Gate (Delhi) and the Gateway of India (Mumbai)?
Answer: India Gate is a memorial to the martyrs of World War I, whereas the Gateway of India is a memorial to a royal arrival.