KALA GHODA AND AROUND
Mumbai’s premier art district Kala Ghoda, or “Black Horse”, houses a number of galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Despite competition from the up-and-coming Colaba district, Kala Ghoda remains the centre of cultural activity and art festivals. Stretching from Wellington Fountain to Mumbai University, the area was named after an equestrian statue of King Edward VII that once stood at a prominent intersection at its centre. The name persists in public memory due, in part, to a large, ever-changing mural of a horse that commemorates it.
NEED TO KNOW
Fort Area • www.kalaghodaassociation.com
Flora Fountain: Veer Nariman Rd
Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue: 022 2283 1502; open 11am–5pm Sun–Thu; www.jacobsassoon.com/synagogues
The Asiatic Society: 022 2266 0956; open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat; www.asiaticsociety.org.in
David Sassoon Library: 022 2281 5189; www.davidsassoonlibrary.com
St Thomas’ Cathedral: open 7am–6pm daily
Jehangir Art Gallery: 022 2284 3989; open 11am–7pm daily; www.jehangirartgallery.com
National Gallery of Modern Art: 022 2288 1969; open 11am–6:30pm Tue–Sun; www.ngmaindia.gov.in
1. Flora Fountain
Erected in 1869 in what was once an open plaza, this iconic fountain was sculpted out of Portland stone by James Forsythe and shipped from England. It is surmounted by the Roman goddess Flora standing above exuberantly carved seashells, dolphins and mythical beasts.
The beautiful Flora Fountain
2. Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue
The city’s oldest Sephardic synagogue for the Baghdadi and Bene Israeli Jewish community was donated by the Sassoon family.
3. Elphinstone College
A symbol of the British Raj, Elphinstone College was designed by James Trubshawe in a Transitional Romanesque style. It has produced many of India’s leaders. Today, part of this delightful building houses the State Archives.
Imposing exterior of Elphinstone College
4. The Asiatic Society
Inside the pristine Town Hall building lie the offices and library of The Asiatic Society. Founded in 1804 by the British to promote the study of Orientalism, this was once the most important centre for literary discourse, and is still a famous sight.
5. Bombay Stock Exchange
Asia’s first stock exchange is located at Dalal Street, and it gets its name from the many dalals (stockbrokers) in the area.
6. David Sassoon Library
Built using yellow Malad stone, this Venetian Gothic library boasts beautiful arches and intricate tiles. Its garden serves as a reading area. Above the entrance portico is a white stone bust of businessman David Sassoon.
Tilework, David Sassoon Library
7. St Thomas’ Cathedral
The Churchgate area gets its name from this church. Its interior is especially remarkable for the marble memorials to heroes of the Raj, such as one depicting Hindus blessing Governor Jonathan Duncan for his efforts to stop infanticide.
8. Jehangir Art Gallery
Mumbai’s most important venue for contemporary art, this gallery was founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir in 1952. It mainly exhibits well-curated temporary works – often on sale – by leading photographers, painters, sculptors as well as craftsmen.
Artwork on display at the Jehangir Art Gallery
9. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
Set in an Edwardian building, NGMA has five well-lit galleries that exhibit various impressive works from around the globe.
10. Rajabai Clock Tower
Modelled on the Big Ben in London, this 85-m- (280-ft-) high tower in Mumbai University was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. It is adorned with figures representing different Indian communities, and is named after the mother of Premchand Roychand, a businessman who donated funds for the clock tower’s construction.
Rajabai Clock Tower
KALA GHODA ARTS FESTIVAL
Held annually since 1999, an unparalleled celebration of art draws attention to this South Mumbai area’s art and architectural heritage. The festival takes place between the first Saturday and the second Sunday of February. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, run by a non-profit organization, draws people from all over the country. The Kala Ghoda Association organizes theatre and art workshops, stand-up comedy events, street art displays, heritage walks and more.
