Municipal Corporation Building, Mumbai
Encyclopedia
The Municipal Corporation Building, Mumbai located in South Mumbai
in Maharashtra
, India is a Grade IIA heritage building (‘V’ shaped as viewed from top) opposite to the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (a UNESCO
World heritage site) at the junction of Dadabhai Naoroji Road
and Mahapalika Marg. It is also known as the Bombay Municipal Corporation Building, or BMC building for short.
As the name suggests, the building houses the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai, which is now named the Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika or the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
and which has as its motto, "यतो धर्मस्ततो जय" (Sanskrit
: Yato Dharmastato Jaya or, Where there is Righteousness, there shall be Victory), inscribed on the banner of its Coat of Arms. It is said to be the largest civic organization in the country and covers an area of 434 square kilometre Sir Pherozeshah Mehta
and Sir Dinshaw Wacha prominent citizens were members of the Municipal Corporation.
The BMC
was created in 1865 and Arthur Crawford
was its first Municipal Commissioner
. The Municipality was initially housed in a modest building at the terminus of Girgaum Road. In 1870, it was shifted to a building on the Esplanade
, located between Watson Hotel and the Sassoon Mechanics Institute where the present Army & Navy building is situated. On December 9, 1884, the foundation stone for the new building of the Bombay Municipal Corporation was laid opposite Victoria Terminus now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, by the then Viceroy
, Lord Ripon.
Two designs were considered for the building; one of the Gothic
designs done by F. W. Stevens and the other in the Indo-Saracenic
design presented by Robert Fellowes Chisholm. The Gothic design was finally selected. The building was completed in 1893. The building is known for its 255 ft (77.7 m) tall tower. The chief architectural feature is the central dome that rises to a height of 71.5 m (234.6 ft). The gable has a huge winged allegorical figure representing the 'urbs prima in Indis', the first city of India as it was to be known then. The richly molded and paneled Council Chamber has a ceiling of unpolished teak. Records also support that at these environs Phansi Talao or Gallows Tank, where public hangings took place, was located.
During the period 1100 to 1500 AD the architecture of churches constructed with ornamental arches with ribs supported by buttress
es resulted in the subsequent idea of the framed structural design with grandeur and monumentality during the renaissance period of 1500–1700 AD, as the distinct style; the Bombay Municipal Corporation building, the Victoria Terminus, the Rajabai tower
and the University of Bombay are some examples of this style. The old style of dome construction was also revived and became popular. The period from 1750 onwards was considered to be the period of modern architecture
.
The Gothic architecture with controlled composition custom–made to the climatic extremes of the city has cusped window arches and elaborately domed corner towers.
At the entrance to the BMC stands an impressive bronze statue of Sir Pherozshah Mehta that gives a picturesque view of the roads and buildings in front (pictured).
The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee of the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai has categorized the heritage buildings of Mumbai under the guidelines prepared for the purpose. According to these guidelines, the Municipal Corporation Building, Bombay has been categorized by the Bombay Municipal Corporation as Grade II A. The list of heritage buildings, as categorized on April 24, 2005, under Grade I, Grade II, Grade IIA, Grade III and Precincts are 591. For the Bombay Municipal Corporation Building, the details are elaborated below.
Grade-II (A&B) is defined as:
As per the defined “Scope for Changes (Grade-IIA)”, the restorations permitted are:
The “Abbreviations of Criteria (Classification)” used for listing of buildings and conservation areas are:
In keeping with the above categorization, the restoration works of the Municipal Corporation Building, Mumbai was planned by a panel of three conservation
architects, namely, Abha Narain Lambah, Shashi Prabhu and Shimul Zaveri Kadri. The restoration
plan for the 125 year old BMC Gothic structure envisages a) restoration of interiors and the exterior – from the roof tiles to the exquisite Minton tiles inside and to stained glass
work and b) strengthening several wooden beams
.
In the first phase the structure would be restored to its original glory involving replacement of broken tiles, repair of statues,and removal of plants and moss.
The subsequent phases of restoration would involve a) reorganization of office space within the building to improve the operational efficiency of staff members, b) 'Citizens Facilitation Centre' and party offices in the ground floor and c) Corporation Hall to be modified for a larger seating arrangement by including outer corridors and opening the wooden doors to increase its seating capacity
from 200 to 300.
Estimated to cost Rs 80 crore (US$ 16 million, at current exchange rate), approved by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee and the civic administration, it is the largest and most comprehensive conservation concept undertaken in the city, without disturbing the routine work of the civic affairs and administration of the BMC.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
(MCGM), as the primary agency responsible for urban governance, has also signed an MOU
with NGO Council to work closely with NGOs in the fields of education, public health, creation of urban amenities, art and culture and heritage conservation.
South Mumbai
South Mumbai , sometimes incorrectly referred to by English Media as "SoBo" , the southern-most precinct of the city of Mumbai, India, comprises the city's main business localities and its adjoining areas...
in Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
, India is a Grade IIA heritage building (‘V’ shaped as viewed from top) opposite to the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (a UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
World heritage site) at the junction of Dadabhai Naoroji Road
Dadabhai Naoroji Road
Dadabhai Naoroji Road , a North–South commercial artery road, in the Fort business district in South Mumbai of Maharashtra, India, is the nerve centre of the city, starting from the Crawford Market, linking Victoria Terminus, leads to the Flora Fountain at the southern end of the road...
and Mahapalika Marg. It is also known as the Bombay Municipal Corporation Building, or BMC building for short.
As the name suggests, the building houses the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai, which is now named the Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika or the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika is the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai and is India's richest municipal organisation. Its annual budget is even more than that of some of the small states of India. It is also known as Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai or the Brihanmumbai...
and which has as its motto, "यतो धर्मस्ततो जय" (Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
: Yato Dharmastato Jaya or, Where there is Righteousness, there shall be Victory), inscribed on the banner of its Coat of Arms. It is said to be the largest civic organization in the country and covers an area of 434 square kilometre Sir Pherozeshah Mehta
Pherozeshah Mehta
Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, KCIE was an Parsi Indian political leader, activist, and a leading lawyer, who was knighted by then British Government in India for his service to the law...
and Sir Dinshaw Wacha prominent citizens were members of the Municipal Corporation.
History
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika is the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai and is India's richest municipal organisation. Its annual budget is even more than that of some of the small states of India. It is also known as Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai or the Brihanmumbai...
was created in 1865 and Arthur Crawford
Arthur Crawford
Arthur Crawford was first Municipal Commissioner and collector of Mumbai . Crawford is famous as an able administrator as well as his underhand financial dealings....
was its first Municipal Commissioner
Municipal Commissioner
Municipal Commissioner is an office and political title in the municipalities of Sweden for councillors with executive responsibilities. The Commissioners are the only full-time employed office-holders outside the municipal civil service...
. The Municipality was initially housed in a modest building at the terminus of Girgaum Road. In 1870, it was shifted to a building on the Esplanade
Esplanade
An esplanade is a long, open, level area, usually next to a river or large body of water, where people may walk. The original meaning of esplanade was a large, open, level area outside fortress or city walls to provide clear fields of fire for the fortress' guns...
, located between Watson Hotel and the Sassoon Mechanics Institute where the present Army & Navy building is situated. On December 9, 1884, the foundation stone for the new building of the Bombay Municipal Corporation was laid opposite Victoria Terminus now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, by the then Viceroy
Viceroy
A viceroy is a royal official who runs a country, colony, or province in the name of and as representative of the monarch. The term derives from the Latin prefix vice-, meaning "in the place of" and the French word roi, meaning king. A viceroy's province or larger territory is called a viceroyalty...
, Lord Ripon.
Two designs were considered for the building; one of the Gothic
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
designs done by F. W. Stevens and the other in the Indo-Saracenic
Indo-Saracenic
The Indo-Saracenic Revival was an architectural style movement by British architects in the late 19th century in British India...
design presented by Robert Fellowes Chisholm. The Gothic design was finally selected. The building was completed in 1893. The building is known for its 255 ft (77.7 m) tall tower. The chief architectural feature is the central dome that rises to a height of 71.5 m (234.6 ft). The gable has a huge winged allegorical figure representing the 'urbs prima in Indis', the first city of India as it was to be known then. The richly molded and paneled Council Chamber has a ceiling of unpolished teak. Records also support that at these environs Phansi Talao or Gallows Tank, where public hangings took place, was located.
During the period 1100 to 1500 AD the architecture of churches constructed with ornamental arches with ribs supported by buttress
Buttress
A buttress is an architectural structure built against or projecting from a wall which serves to support or reinforce the wall...
es resulted in the subsequent idea of the framed structural design with grandeur and monumentality during the renaissance period of 1500–1700 AD, as the distinct style; the Bombay Municipal Corporation building, the Victoria Terminus, the Rajabai tower
Rajabai Tower
The Rajabai Clock Tower is a clock tower in South Mumbai, India. It is located in the confines of the Fort campus of the University of Mumbai. The tower stands at a height of 85 m .-History:...
and the University of Bombay are some examples of this style. The old style of dome construction was also revived and became popular. The period from 1750 onwards was considered to be the period of modern architecture
Modern architecture
Modern architecture is generally characterized by simplification of form and creation of ornament from the structure and theme of the building. It is a term applied to an overarching movement, with its exact definition and scope varying widely...
.
The Gothic architecture with controlled composition custom–made to the climatic extremes of the city has cusped window arches and elaborately domed corner towers.
At the entrance to the BMC stands an impressive bronze statue of Sir Pherozshah Mehta that gives a picturesque view of the roads and buildings in front (pictured).
Heritage status and restoration
157. Grade-IIA Bombay Municipal Corporation (MCGM Headquarter) - Value Classification - A(his), I(sce), C(seh) A(arch), B(per), B(des), F
Grade-II (A&B) is defined as:
Buildings, of regional or local importance, possessing special architectural or aesthetical merit, cultural or historical value, though of a lower scale than in Heritage Grade. They are local landmarks, contributing to the image and identity of the City.
As per the defined “Scope for Changes (Grade-IIA)”, the restorations permitted are:
Internal changes, and adaptive reuse will be generally allowed, but external changes will be subject to scrutiny Care would be taken to ensure the conservation of all special aspects for which it is included in Heritage Grade-II.
The “Abbreviations of Criteria (Classification)” used for listing of buildings and conservation areas are:
a) Value for architectural, historical or cultural reasons A
- architectural A(arc)
- historical A(his)
- cultural A(cul)
b) The date and / or period and / or design and / or unique use
of the buildings or artefact B
- period B(per)
- design B(des)
- use B(uu)
c) Relevance to social or economic history C (seh)
d) Association with well-known persons or events D (bio)
e) A building or groups of buildings and / or areas, of a distinct architectural design and / or style, historic period or way of life having sociological interest and / or community value E
- Style
- Historical
f) The unique value of a building or architectural features or artifact and / or being part of a chain of architectural development that would be broken if it were lost F
g) Its value as a part of a group of buildings G (grp)
h) Representing forms of technological development H (tec)
i) Vistas of natural / scenic beauty or interest, including
water–front areas, distinctive and / or planned lines of sight, street line, skyline or topographical I (sce)
j) Open spaces sometimes integrally planned with their associated areas having a distinctive way of life and for which are and have the potential to be areas of recreation J
Architectural conservation
Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design integrity of mankind's built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator...
architects, namely, Abha Narain Lambah, Shashi Prabhu and Shimul Zaveri Kadri. The restoration
Building restoration
Building restoration describes a particular treatment approach and philosophy within the field of architectural conservation. According the U.S...
plan for the 125 year old BMC Gothic structure envisages a) restoration of interiors and the exterior – from the roof tiles to the exquisite Minton tiles inside and to stained glass
Stained glass
The term stained glass can refer to coloured glass as a material or to works produced from it. Throughout its thousand-year history, the term has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant buildings...
work and b) strengthening several wooden beams
Beams
Beams is a Japanese clothing brand, established in 1976, whose chief executive officer is Yo Shitara. Besides stores in many places in Japan, they have branch offices in New York, Milan, London, and Paris....
.
In the first phase the structure would be restored to its original glory involving replacement of broken tiles, repair of statues,and removal of plants and moss.
The subsequent phases of restoration would involve a) reorganization of office space within the building to improve the operational efficiency of staff members, b) 'Citizens Facilitation Centre' and party offices in the ground floor and c) Corporation Hall to be modified for a larger seating arrangement by including outer corridors and opening the wooden doors to increase its seating capacity
Seating capacity
Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats...
from 200 to 300.
Estimated to cost Rs 80 crore (US$ 16 million, at current exchange rate), approved by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee and the civic administration, it is the largest and most comprehensive conservation concept undertaken in the city, without disturbing the routine work of the civic affairs and administration of the BMC.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika is the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai and is India's richest municipal organisation. Its annual budget is even more than that of some of the small states of India. It is also known as Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai or the Brihanmumbai...
(MCGM), as the primary agency responsible for urban governance, has also signed an MOU
Memorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding is a document describing a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used in cases where parties either do not imply a legal commitment or in...
with NGO Council to work closely with NGOs in the fields of education, public health, creation of urban amenities, art and culture and heritage conservation.