Which of the following statements about Mumbai's architectural heritage is/are correct?
1. Victorian Gothic buildings in Mumbai reflect colonial-era architecture with Neo-Gothic elements.
2. Art Deco buildings in Mumbai were part of the 19th-century colonial urban development.
3. The Oval Maidan distinctly separates the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. Only 1 and 3 are correct.
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco
The Victorian Gothic buildings, such as the High Court and University Library, reflect 19th-century colonial architecture with pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
In contrast, Art Deco emerged later, in the 20th century (1930s-40s), making Statement 2 incorrect.
The Oval Maidan
The Oval Maidan serves as a unique urban divide; its eastern side is lined with the ornate 19th-century Victorian Gothic ensemble, while the western side features the sleek, modernistic 20th-century Art Deco residences.
Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.