Sunday, October 5, 2014

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) at Mumbai is one of the prominent landmarks in the city. This historic railway station serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways. I had visited the place when I was in Mumbai for work and it was a public holiday in the middle of the week. I reached the place by local train and went around the station.



This UNESCO World Heritage Site is based on architecture that is a mix of traditional Indian and Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival. This building designed by Frederick William Stevens and its construction in the Bori Bunder area of Mumbai was completed in 1887. The main structure is built from a blend of India sandstone and limestone, while high-quality Italian marble was used for the key decorative elements. 



The skyline, turrets, pointed arches, and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture while externally the wood carving, tiles, the balustrades for the grand staircases and other ornaments are in Victorian style.


One of the important architectural marvel is its high central dome. The octagonal dome is a ribbed structure built without centering, was considered as a novel achievement of the era. At the top of the dome is a female figure symbolizing Progress, holding a torch pointing upwards in her right hand and a spoked wheel in her left hand. 



The side wings enclose the courtyard, which opens on to the street. The wings are anchored by monumental turrets at each of their four corners, which balance and frame the central dome. The columns of the entrance gates are crowned by figures of a lion  and a tiger. 



The entire building has eye catching carvings of local species of animals, flora and fauna, portrait roundels of human faces, and stone mesh works on the decorated rose windows. The elaborate detailing of the heritage building is original. It has carvings made in local yellow malad stones blended with Italian marble and polished granite in a few places. 

43 comments:

Janet Shaw said...

Your travel photos are great. Looks like you had a good time in Mumbai. :)

eileeninmd said...

What a beautiful building and railway station. I am glad to see it is a UNESCO site Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing. Have a happy week!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Love those light touches of pink that just make the buildings pop with charm!

Ela said...

Just a gorgeous place to visit !
Great photos ! Thanks for sharing !

Snap said...

I love trains and train stations. Wonderful that this is an UNESCO site.

My Little Home and Garden said...

The architecture is so elaborate and striking.

Jackie and Joel Smith said...

I adore railroad stations and this absolutely makes me want to go and explore! Beautiful photos and way too much temptation!!

Lorrie said...

An interesting blend of architectural styles from many places. Impressive.

Al said...

That is an imposing building, I can't imagine a railway station that looks like that.

rupam sarma said...

Wonderful photos

Forest Dream Weaver said...

Very imposing and an interesting fusion of styles.

Enjoy your week!

Wayne said...

A stunning building, the level of detail is amazing.

restlessjo said...

A magnificent building. Thank you for sharing, Rajesh. I doubt I shall ever visit India.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Such a beautiful relic of the heydays of rail travel.

Jeevan said...

Excellent captures and angles! Marvelous architecture and I see many styles over there

Fun60 said...

I love the colour of that stone and all the carvings.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Your world is always so fascinating, with so much to offer the reader and viewer of your blog.

Sylvia K said...

What an awesome railway station!! Terrific captures for the day, Rajesh, as always! Thanks for the history as well! Hope you have a wonderful week!

Pat said...

Mumbai is a city I have not yet visited, but would like to...next trip?

Carver said...

Great shots of the fine architecture.

Irene said...

Very impressive ... great architecture!

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful post and always such divinely created buildings ~ Great photos!

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Photo Cache said...

what a handsome building.

Donna said...

My that is quite a station...and how interesting the mox of styles...very ornate and big!

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos of CST station :)

Anonymous said...

What an impressive building!

Little Wandering Wren said...

Gosh Rajesh, the detail on these buildings is extraordinary. I would love to go to Mumbai one day!
Wren x

http://joshidaniel.com/ said...

classic :)

Leovi said...

Yes, I love this beautiful building, good pictures!

chai-and-chardonnay.blogspot.com said...

Mumbai? Anytime and the main station is a very impressive building!

lotusleaf said...

Great photos, Rajesh.

Unknown said...

Been there and its like walking through history :)

PhenoMenon, ABC Wednesday Team
http://phenomenal-cuisines.throodalookingglass.com/2014/10/prawns-fried-in-butter-and-garlic-with-bhut-jalokia-sauce/

Richard Lawry said...

Amazingly ornate architecture.
An Arkie's Musings

Roger Owen Green said...

MUST have taken forever to build!

ROG, ABCW

Anonymous said...

Beautiful architecture and photos. Thank you for sharing. Best regards.

Alexa T said...

Impressive historical place and amazing building, indeed; Lots of details for different architectural styles in a mix... Have a sunny october!

George said...

What a magnificent building!

Priyashi said...

Wonderful photos Rajesh...:)

NCSue said...

Wow, that's an amazing structure!

Meoww said...

Never been to this place. It looks awesome!

D.Nambiar said...

What an ornate structure!

Anonymous said...

wow, amazing architecture!! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow...beautiful architecture!