Posted on: 28 October 2011

Government House, Fort, Bombay - 1826

Lithograph of the Government House in the Fort in Bombay by Jose M. Gonsalves (fl. 1826-c.1842). Plate 2 from his 'Lithographic Views of Bombay' published in Bombay in 1826. Gonsalves, thought to be of Goan origin, was one of the first artists to practice lithography in Bombay and specialised in topographical views of the city.

This view of the Government House in the fort area of Bombay was taken from Bombay Green. On the right is the monument to Marquis Cornwallis, the Governor-General and Commander in Chief in India from 1786 to 1793. The location of the Government House in Bombay changed several times. Originally, the Government House was located in Bombay Castle. The second Government House, shown in this view, was situated in the fort area on Apollo Street and functioned as the official residence of the Governor until 1829. The third Government House at Parel had already been used as a Country retreat for the Governor from 1719. In the 1880s, the location of the Government House was moved once again to Malabar Point.

Source : British Library


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I have been to Bombay Raj Bhawan as a kid and it is not a one huge mansion. It is collection of 7 to 8 colonial bungalows each for different purpose surrounded by private beach on 3 sides! One bungalow is governor's private residence, one office, one indian guesthouse, one foreign guesthouse, one with durbar hall & banqueting halls. Quiet uncomfortable but at spectacular location.

@Akshay Chavan.......thanx for th info :)

Now they have made 14 story tower to house lower rung staff of Raj Bhavan within this complex .

Remember some friends telling me in what style they lived , when they stayed at the Raj Bhavan , as guests of one of the earlier Governors of Maharashtra ...Heard much the same thing about the Calcutta Raj Bhavan ..