Carved figures surround us. The Flora Fountain stands as a testament to Mumbai’s history.
Let’s delve into the story of this iconic landmark. The Flora Fountain is located at Hutatma Chowk. It marks the southern end of the historic Dadabhai Naoroji Road. This area is the Fort business district in the heart of South Mumbai.
The Flora Fountain was completed in 1864. Its construction cost a princely sum of Rs 47000 or 9000 pounds sterling. The Flora Fountain depicts the Roman goddess Flora. She is the goddess of flowers and spring.
Originally, the fountain was intended for Victoria Gardens. That plan changed. Its history is intertwined with the demolition of the Old Mumbai Fort in 1860. Sir Bartle Frère oversaw this demolition. He aimed to improve civic sanitation and urban spaces.
Before the demolition, the British East India Company built the Fort. It stood from 1686 to 1743. The Fort had three gates. These were the Apollo Gate, the Church Gate, and the Bazaar Gate. Hornby Road existed at the old Fort area. It was named after a Governor of Bombay.
After the demolition, Hornby Road was widened. It became a broad avenue. Commercial plots were developed on its western side. New buildings arose in Neo Classical and Gothic Revival styles. Dadabhai Naoroji Road became a grand colonial sight. It linked Crawford Market to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The Flora Fountain formed the southern anchor of this Mile Long Road.
The Flora Fountain stands where the Church Gate once stood. The Church Gate was named after St Thomas Cathedral. The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India constructed it. Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh donated Rs 20000. Richard Norman Shaw designed it. James Forsythe sculpted it in imported Portland stone.
Initially, the fountain was to be named after Sir Bartle Frère. He was the Governor of Bombay. His policies led to many great public buildings in Mumbai. However, the name was changed to Flora Fountain before its unveiling. Flora, the Roman Goddess, lends her name to the fountain. Her statue adorns the top. The four corners feature life-sized female figures. They carry foliage to represent the four seasons.
From 1864 until 1960, the square was known as Flora Fountain area. In 1960, it was renamed Hutatma Chowk. This commemorated those who died in the creation of Maharashtra State. A stone statue of torch-holding patriots stands there.
The Flora Fountain is a heritage structure. It charms visitors with its beauty. It sits alongside the Hutatma statue. The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly recommended a memorial at Flora Fountain. This was to honor those who died in a police firing in November 1955.
Even now, the Flora Fountain evokes feelings. It’s considered the heart of the city. A poem in Marathi extols the beauty of Flora Fountain. It describes Flora as a dream of spring. She holds stone flowers.
As we conclude our visit to the Flora Fountain, remember its history. It represents art and remembrance. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance.