Elphinstone College, designed by Trubshaw and Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Murzban, is a majestic Victorian structure that stands dominating the
Kala Ghoda streetscape in south
Mumbai.
The building, which was originally meant to house a Government Central Press, was completed at a total cost of Rs 7,50,000; from AD 1888 onwards it is used for academic activities.
Elphinstone College Building is one of the finest Victorian structures that exist in India today. It presents a charming picture of aesthetical finesse, best described technically as an architectural composition of a dynamic fenestration scheme, ordered by flanking stone turrets roofed over in tiled pyramidical roofs. Finely articulated stone balconies, brackets and balustrades along with intricately designed surface motifs add to its decorative features.
Though it was in neglect for over a century, as a result of a citizens’ drive aimed at revitalizing its heritage precinct, this architectural marvel has been given a facelift and is now preserved as one among the Grade I Heritage buildings in the city.
