The present headquarters of Maharashtra Police in Mumbai is a heritage structure at Colaba close to Gateway of India. They moved into this place in the year 1982.
Prior to that this heritage structure was known by the name Royal Alfred Sailors Home and it was built to accommodate seamen. Its construction was initiated by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad of Baroda and completed in 1872. This 270 feet long and 58 feet Gothic structure was architected by Stevens and built using blue basalt stone. The roof is covered by red Mangalore tiles.
But when one passes in front of this structure that catches everyone's attention is magnificent sculpture of Neptune in the top portion. This sculptures were crafted by students of the J J School of Art under the supervision of John Lockwood Kipling, a Professor of Architecture.
Neptune, the Roman God of the sea, is seated in a shell surrounded by mythical creatures, sea horses in the waves of water. On either corners are well crafted sea lions looking in opposite directions.
Prior to that this heritage structure was known by the name Royal Alfred Sailors Home and it was built to accommodate seamen. Its construction was initiated by Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad of Baroda and completed in 1872. This 270 feet long and 58 feet Gothic structure was architected by Stevens and built using blue basalt stone. The roof is covered by red Mangalore tiles.
But when one passes in front of this structure that catches everyone's attention is magnificent sculpture of Neptune in the top portion. This sculptures were crafted by students of the J J School of Art under the supervision of John Lockwood Kipling, a Professor of Architecture.
Neptune, the Roman God of the sea, is seated in a shell surrounded by mythical creatures, sea horses in the waves of water. On either corners are well crafted sea lions looking in opposite directions.
A gem!
ReplyDeleteNamaste
Very informative post with nice photography...
ReplyDeleteGreat photos,Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely stunning. Fantastic architecture and sculptures. Love the Neptune sculpture and the sea lions. I must say I've never seen a police station quite like this one; heck, I've never seen a police station close to this one. Amazing. I wonder if the cops give tours? Without someone being arrested, I mean! :)
ReplyDeletewow - that's quite a building!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots and detail on the heritage!
ReplyDeleteanother awesome and informative post from you.. nice...
ReplyDeleteTerrific captures of a magnificent building, Rajesh! I'm always amazed by your very pale skies!! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteNobody shows India better than you
ReplyDeleteCongrats
It is a beautiful building, love the details. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the taxis. They're cute.
ReplyDeleteVery fancy for the police.
ReplyDeleteA fabulous edifice indeed.
ReplyDeleteAnd what brilliant shots, as always! :-)
Nice pictures, beautiful palace!
ReplyDeleteSculpture of Neptune is very interesting. Keep posting about such interesting places. :)
ReplyDeleteNice captures. The architecture looks wonderful.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/05/juhu-beach.html
indeed a majestic building.
ReplyDeleteYou live in a land with so much to see and enjoy that is very interesting. So glad you share them with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent old building! The sculpture of Neptune is beautiful, as is all the ornamentation of this building.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and the work is remarkable. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building and carvings, with a very interesting history.
ReplyDeleteAre those police cars in the foreground of the first picture or taxis?
Wonderful details of the art on the architecture.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciation. Those cars on the road are taxis.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous details on that building.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing sculpture!
ReplyDeleteThough I spent four months in Mumbai my first time in India, I only got to the Taj for cocktails one night and walked around the Gateway of India....didn't visit the police station. I'm expecting to spend six months there this time ( arrive the 3rd of June ) so I'll definitely go by the police station at some point....not as an inmate, though.
ReplyDeleteMy Mellow Yellows is at:
http://rnsane.blogspot.com/2013/05/monday-mellow-yellows-yellow-san.html#links
Nice shots you have here.
ReplyDeleteThe headquarters do the police proud. Enjoyed your story about the sculpture on top. Aamchi Mumbai.
ReplyDeleteNicely captured!
ReplyDelete