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| Institute of Science, Mumbai scm.ac.in |
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| Façade, Inst of science, Mumbai.facebook.com/ |
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| Central hall dome, int. of science, Mumbai.agefotostock.com |
In the colonial period after the Indian subcontinent had come under the direct administration of the British government, London many educational institutions came up after 1858; Wilson College 1832, Mumbai and Elphinstone College (now affiliated to Dr. Homi Baba Inst) 1823 being oldest in this part that were started under the English company rule.. There were also many colleges in the province of Bengal during the early colonial days founded to impart western education to the Indian natives.
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| Institute of Science, Mumbaiiscm.ac.i |
Founded by George Clarke, 1st Baron Sydenham of Combe the cost of construction of the buildings was met through private donations. Noted business people of Bombay made contributions - Sir Cowasji Jehangir donated money for the institute's east wing, the construction of the west flank of the main building was met by Jacob Sassoon, and the east flank by Sir Currimbhoy Ebrahim, Bt. Vasanji Mulji donated funds for the library.
The Institute of Science, a postgraduate education and research institution of Mumbai with ''A'' grade accreditation from the NAAC (since 2014) has since 2019 been renamed Dr. Homi Bhabha State University. in honor of the great Nuclear Scientist who died in an air crash on Mont Blanc on 24 January 1966 on his way to a meeting of the scientific advisory committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. He was the founding director of the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) as well as founding director and professor of physics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). According to a conspiracy theory the accident took place over the Alps mountains due to espionage activities deliberately carried out by the western powers. The popular institute is housed in a heritage building in the Central Business District of Mumbai right across Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and close to Churchgate station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus).
British architect George Wittet' designed the Institute of Science in Mumbai and it is an enduring Indo-Saracenic elegance blended with colonial grandeur. Constructed during the early twentieth century, the building exudes an aura of refined artistry and cultural synthesis that reflects both Western architectural principles and local Indian influences. The structure is built using yellow Kharodi basalt stones quarried from Thane, lending it a distinctive warmth and robust character that harmonizes with the heritage buildings in South Bombay.
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Scottish architect George Wittet myheritage.com
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The institute’s façade is impressive with stately arches, intricate detailing, and a prominent flat central dome that crowns the Cowasji Jehangir Hall. Two gracefully curving facades frame the main entrance, evoking a sense of balance and symmetry that resonates with the classic design of neighboring landmarks, such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum and the historic terminus of the city. Wittet’s innovative use of local materials and stylistic elements not only ensured structural durability but also celebrated the cultural identity of Mumbai.
Serving both as an academic institution and a monument of historical significance, the building stands as a testament to the era when art and science converged. Its timeless design continues to inspire admiration, preserving the legacy of colonial ingenuity while embracing modern functionality and elegance. George Wittet’s visionary work endures as a symbol of Mumbai’s illustrious architectural heritage remarkably.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2022/07/inst-of-science-mumbai-designed-by.html
https://www.google.com/search?q=1st+Baron+Sydenham
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Institute_of_Science,_Mumbai
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