The Chhatraparti Shivaji Terminus

The Chhatraparti Shivaji Terminus is one of the major landmarks in the city of Mumbai, the financial capital of India. Designed by Fredrick Williams Stevens, the terminus was built in 1887 in the Bori Bunder area of Mumbai to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Originally known as the Victoria Terminus, it was later in 1996, in response to the demands of Shiv Sena for re-naming it after the legendary Maratha Ruler Chhatraparti Shivaji.

In the present times, the station is headquartering the Central Railways of Mumbai, and is among the busiest stations in the country; from where both local as well as interstate trains operate disembark on a daily basis. The inside of the building as well as the outside have draped in class and elegance.

The architecture of the building displays a typical Victorian Gothic architecture that has some tinge of Indian style of construction as well. With remarkable domes, turrets and arches, and plenty of stone work, the structure is worth marveling even today. One interesting design aspect of the structure it how it subtly combines the Gothic with the traditional Indian style architecture, the way palaces were designed in majestic buildings.

One striking aspect of the terminus is the ceiling. It was originally painted in blue, gold and red. Outside there are statues that individually represent Commerce, Agriculture, Engineering, and Science. Also there was a statue of Queen Victoria right below the central dome, which has now been removed.

For anyone visiting the Commercial capital of the country Mumbai, this building is a must visit. Its traditional and ornamental railings and woodcarvings all along capture the fancy of all onlookers.

Declared as a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, the building is among the important heritage buildings of the country.