British Era Bunker at Raj Bhavan Mumbai highlights India’s military history & heritage

October 6, 2024 3 Views No Comment

Vishü Rita Krocha
Mumbai | October 6

Inside Mumbai’s picturesque Raj Bhavan with sprawling lawns and stunning view of the sea, is the underground Bunker believed to be originally built during the British Era before the first World War.

Raj Bhavan Mumbai was earlier home to former Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. S. C Jamir who also served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2008 to 2010. On October 5, the visiting journalists from Nagaland were given a fascinating tour of the underground Bunker as part of the PIB Kohima Press Tour, further enhancing their understanding of Mumbai’s colonial history.

The 150-meter long, underground British Era bunker was discovered by the then Governor CH. Vidyasagar Rao in 2016, found intact with proper drainage system, inlets for light and fresh air, and several lamp recesses along the passage of the Bunker.

Spread across 15,000 square feet, the Bunker opened with a 20-ft tall gate resembling a fort and has a ramp on its west end, just opposite the Darbar Hall. It also has long passages and 13 small to medium size rooms.

The Bunker which has been converted into a museum in 2019, features India’s military history and heritage through exhibits, sculptures, uniforms, weaponry, rare archival photographs, etc.

Encircled on three sides by the majestic Arabian Sea and ensconced in the cliffs, the Maharashtra Raj Bhavan located at the Malabar Point in Mumbai is regarded as the ‘Queen among the Raj Bhavans in India’.

This is as per the description given in one of the passageways to the Underground Bunker.

It also states that “The Malabar Hill residence has served as the ‘Government House’ of Bombay since 1885 when the colonial power was at its peak and Great Britain was the undisputed superpower. The territories of Bombay, in that year included as far off places as the Port of Aden (now in Yemen), Sind Province (now in Pakistan), many parts of modern Gujarat and Karnataka States.”

“Prior to 1885, the Raj Bhavan at Malabar Hill served as the summertime residence of the Governor of Bombay. Between 1665 and 1885, the Governors of Bombay resided at the Bombay Castle, the Fort House and the Parel House before finally shifting to the Government House at Malabar Hill. Post-independence, the Government House became the office and residence of the Constitutional Head of the State of Bombay”, the description further read.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/british-era-bunker-at-raj-bhavan-mumbai-highlights-indias-military-history-heritage