Sunday 28 April 2013

Oval Maidan


Oval Maidan photo 1875
Old Map of the Oval Maidan area 1900
Oval Maidan as seen on Google earth
The Oval Maidan is a large Grade I recreational ground situated in South MumbaiIndia. It is named because of its oval shape wikipedia.org
The vast expanses of land of the Oval MaidanAzad Maidan, Cooperage football ground and Cross Maidan until the 1960s formed the area known as Esplanade.
The Esplanade was originally reserved to provide an unobstructed view from the fort. Over the years, the green areas were encroached upon and government plans for the area changed.mid-day.com
Mumbai High Court
This blue-basalt building in early English Gothic style was designed by Col. J. A. Fuller. It has central tower standing almost 180 ft. Two octagonal towers with their spiralets holding at their pinnacles two carved figures of Justice and Mercy are situated to the west of the central tower. www.csre.iitb.ac.in
A splendid Gothic revival building designed by a General Fuller of the Royal engineers (perhaps his only major architectural design), the High Court was built with local black basalt during the late nineteenth century. The chambers are surrounded by Venetian style galleries which are decorated with exuberant carvings of monkeys with scales of justice, foxes wearing barristers’ clothes, pigs, tigers and birds cavorting in petrified jungles. The stone masons were unknown local artisans, who were given a free hand.tifr.res.in
By the side of the University Library and the Clock Tower towards the north stands the gracious building that houses the High Court of Bombay. The building is in early English-Gothic style and was designed by Colonel J. A. Fuller. The construction of the building on the sea frontage was completed in 1879 . The walls are of rubble and chunam faced with blue basalt roughly dressed and in shallow courses. It is an enormous building 562 feet in length and 187 in breadth. Its general height to the east is 90 feet, and the central feature is 178 1/2 feet in height. The west wing was added much later, The principal entrance is under a large arched porch in the west facade on either side of which is an octagon tower 120 feet high, with pinnacles of white Porbandar stone, and surmounted by statues of Justice and Mercy. The main staircase is on the eastern side and is approached by a noble groined corridor in Porbandar stone, which runs through the building. The centre of the building, above the main corridor, and has a carved teak gallery for the public, running round three sides. The ceiling is of dark polished teak in panels, with a carved centre-piece. The floor is made up of Italian mosaic. A number of portraits of the past Chief Justices and Judges are hung in the different Courts.Maharashtra State Gazetteers
Rajabai Clock Tower (Mumbai University)
This 280 feet clock tower is located within the gardens of the Mumbai University building. With its five elaborately decorated storeys it is indeed an impressive structure. About 30 feet from the ground is a frieze of eight statues depicting the various Indian castes. The top of the tower is crowned by 16 elaborate statues. 
University Buildings
Founded by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Ready money, after whom is named the earlier of the two structures, was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. Flanked by the High Court and the Old Secretariat, the buildings were completed in 1874.
Google Books
Oval Maidan

No comments:

Post a Comment