Fort (Mumbai precinct)

Fort is a Business & Art district in the city of Mumbai, India. The area gets its name from the defensive fort, Fort George, built by the British East India Company around Bombay Castle.

Fort

Fort District
Neighborhood
Remains of the Fort George walls
Fort
Coordinates: 18.935°N 72.8359°E / 18.935; 72.8359
CountryIndia
StateMaharashtra
DistrictMumbai City
MetroMumbai
Zone1
WardA
Government
  TypeMunicipal corporation
  BodyBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM)
Elevation
11 m (36 ft)
Languages
  OfficialMarathi, Hindi & English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
400 001
Lok Sabha constituencyMumbai South
Civic agencyBMC

The area extends from the docks in the east, to Azad Maidan in the west; Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in the north to Kala Ghoda in the south. This area is the heart of the financial markets of the city & multiple British era structures are located in this neighbourhood.

History

Map of Bombay Fort, 1771

The Fort area was declared protected under regulations of the Maharashtra Government Urban Development Department. An advisory committee now oversees the development, repairs and renovations of structures in the precinct. In 1882, Bomanjee Hormarjee Wadia Clock Tower was erected using public funds as a token of appreciation for Bomanjee Hormarjee, a Parsi philanthropist who made contributions towards improving education in Bombay. The Fort neighbourhood of Mumbai was the first part to be developed by the British. Then, over the years it stood as a reminder of India’s rich colonial history, and today it is sort of a jewel in the crown of the city’s cultural scene.[1]

Source: TOI

Tourist Attraction

The Fort area is a one-stop to all things cultural, artistic, shopping and more. The Fort area sidewalk is a paradise for anyone who likes to explore. If you are looking for books, clothes, cameras, musical instruments, and other such interesting things, then the sidewalk is where you are going to find them all. Then there are numerous restaurants, theatres, and other important business houses, and not to forget the many opportunities for street shopping. One of the prominent markets here is the Crawford Market. It is one of the most important destinations here, which actually dates back to the British era. You will find the market is located inside a building that was completed in 1869. Here you will find everything from veggies, to cosmetics, and even birds. There are some really old restaurants located here; mostly Iranian and Parsi, with some very authentic dishes that would make you come back for more. You will find most of these at the Bora Bazaar area. Come to Yazdani Bakery for delicious Persian breads; Britannia & Co. is a heritage Parsi restaurant dating back to 1923; Cafe Excelsior, for some Parsi breakfast, and Lebanese food as well.[1]

Architecture

If you are avid explorer and like to appreciate architecture then the Fort area of Mumbai is perhaps your haven. Here you will find the age old buildings that have become landmarks in the city. The Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clock Tower, Elphinstone College, and of course the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway Station, all of these contribute to a fine heritage walk. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus building formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World heritage site. It is a major tourist attraction for people all across the globe.

See also

References

  1. Chowdhury, Arka Roy. "A look into the Fort area of Mumbai". Times of India Travel.

See also

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