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| Mulji Jetha Fountain, Mumbai 19th-C drawingupload.wikimedia.org |
Mulji Jetha water Fountain, a heritage structure on Mint street (Ballard estate) in Fort, Mumbai was designed by architect Frederick William Stevens (the other work is the Victoria Terminus) assisted by John Griffiths, the then principal of Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art. Erected in 1894, by cotton trader Ruttonsee Mulji to commemorate the death of his only son, Dharamsi Mulji at the age of 15. The statue of the boy is seen holding a book, symbolic of his interest in reading. High-lighted by Indo-Saracenic style, the structure has many Indian motifs. There are 42 spouts in the shape of crocodile and cow's heads Elephant heads form the corbels and water spouts. The fountain was in a state of neglect for a long time, primarily due to official apathy and way back in 2017 it was restored along with plumbing. Kala Ghoda Association (KGA) provided the needed funds, abut Rs.60 lakhs. Conservation architect Vikas Dilawari took special care to restore the damaged head carvings which needed special skill.So was the plumbing and pumping system. Now enclosed in a lush greenery space inside the fence, the grey granite pillars and the troughs add beauty to the majestic fountain.
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| Mulji Jetha Fountain, Mumbai pedalandtringtring.com |
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| Mulji Jetha Fountain, Mumbai. pedalandtringtring.com |
Giving due importance to the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensemble of Mumbai, in 2018 UNESCO World Heritage Centre added 94 iconic structures in the Fort precinct of Mumbai to the World Heritage sites list to safeguard them for the posterity. The 19th century fortified trading post of Bombay became an important trading center over a period of time after the demolition of the old fort. Many old structures despite climatic conditions, have survived and some lost for ever.
Leading conservation architect Vikas Dilawari gave importance to the restoration of many old structures - the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Esplanade House, JN Petit Library and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, etc. The functional fountain enhances the beauty of local area.
https://asiasociety.org/india/events/historic-preservation-restoration-fountains-south-mumbai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulji_Jetha_Fountain
https://pedalandtringtring.com/2021/03/30/thirsty-fountains-in-the-city/
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