Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai

The Rajabai Clock Tower, a distinguished landmark in the bustling city of Mumbai, India, stands as a fusion of Venetian and Gothic architectural styles. Nestled within the campus of the University of Mumbai, this historical tower reaches a height of 85 meters and has been a part of the city's skyline since its completion in 1878.

Commissioned by a successful stockbroker and philanthropist, Premchand Roychand, the tower was named after his mother, Rajabai. The design was crafted by the renowned English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, who was inspired by the Big Ben in London. The structure was built using the locally sourced buff-colored Kurla stone and the same blue basalt stone that adorns much of Mumbai's Victorian architecture.

Rajabai Clock Tower houses a chiming clock that once played sixteen different tunes, including the Westminster Chimes, which could be heard across the city. It was a vital timekeeper in an era when wristwatches were a rarity. The clock, now mostly silent, still holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbaikars.

The tower was also constructed with a practical purpose in mind; it served as a vantage point for watching ships and monsoons approaching the Bombay Harbor. Although originally open to the public, access to the upper levels has been restricted due to safety concerns and instances of suicide.

Today, the Rajabai Clock Tower is admired for its ornate spire, intricate stained-glass windows, and the beautifully carved figures representing different Indian castes. It is a protected monument and was included in the University of Mumbai's Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles, which were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.