5 lesser-known facts about the Flora Fountain of Bombay
If you have visited South Mumbai, you are sure to have witnessed the magnificent Flora Fountain. Also known as Hutatma Chowk, this fountain is colloquially just called Fountain by the locals, because it is such an iconic landmark that has seen generations come and go! Situated at the southern end of Dadabhai Naoroji Road, the fountain was built in 1864 by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India. The structure was designed by Richard Norman Shaw, a British Architect. James Forsythe, a Scottish sculptor, carved the fountain using stones imported from Portland. Apart from its unique name and location, the fountain has a lot of history behind it. Let's look at the history behind this iconic monument that forms an indispensable part of the history of Bombay before it became Mumbai.
It was built in just forty-seven thousand rupees!
Back then, a princely sum of twenty thousand rupees was donated by wealthy Parsi Businessman Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh to build this monumental structure. The remaining sum was arranged by the Agri-Horticultural Society. Initially, the structure was intended to be installed at Jijamata Udyan, Byculla. However, it was then mounted at its current location.
It houses a hidden chamber underneath
During the conservation of the fountain that was initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in 2017, the team discovered a chamber that had been sealed with concrete! In addition, there was a complex system of water engineering that was found. The concrete was removed and the hydraulic system restored to bring the fountain back to life!
The fountain is an ode to India’s abundant flora
When you look at the 32 feet-tall fountain, there is the unmistakable Roman Goddess Flora installed at the top. The structure's design is influenced by the Indo-Saracenic and Neo-Gothic architectural styles. In addition, one can’t miss the 20 lion heads over the fountain and four fishes at Flora's feet. Further, from Roman mythology, you will see four life-sized female sculptures carrying foliage, at the four corners of the fountain. These sculptures represent the four seasons of India. So, in totality, you can see why the Horticultural society named it Flora Fountain!
The fountain commemorates Martyrs too
The fountain encompasses an impressive stone statue of torch-holding patriots next to the main fountain. The statue was built to honour the 105 members of the Samyuktha Maharashtra Samiti. These individuals lost their lives for the formation of Maharashtra state.
The fountain has had a series of name changes
Initially, the fountain was to be named after the Governor of Bombay. This was to symbolise a new chapter in the history of Bombay. However, just before its inauguration in 1864, the name was changed to Flora after the Goddess Flora. 'Flora' is derived from the Latin word 'Floris', which means 'flowers'. In Roman mythology, Flora is the Goddess of flowers and a symbol of youth. The ancient Romans worshipped this deity. She was believed to oversee plants, gardening and protect the blooming flowers. In 1960, the fountain was again renamed Martyr's Square or Hutatma Chowk to commemorate the patriots who lost their lives at that very square during the violent formation of Maharashtra state.