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Rajabai Clock Tower: The “Big Ben” of Mumbai

If you look at the skyline of South Mumbai, one structure stands out above all others like a silent guardian of time. The Rajabai Clock Tower is not just a masterpiece of stone and glass; it is a monument to a son’s love for his mother and a symbol of Mumbai’s academic heart. Located within the lush green campus of the University of Mumbai, this tower is one of the most photographed and beloved heritage sites in the city.

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1. Introduction & Location Overview

The Rajabai Clock Tower is located inside the Fort campus of the University of Mumbai, right across from the Oval Maidan. Its official address is Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Marg, Fort, Mumbai.

Standing at a grand height of 85 meters (280 feet), it was once the tallest building in Mumbai. Today, it remains the focal point of the “Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble,” which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is often called the “Big Ben of Mumbai” because of its striking resemblance to the famous clock tower in London.

2. Why This Heritage Site Is Famous

The tower is famous for its unique blend of history, architecture, and a very touching back-story.

  • The Legend of Rajabai: It was built by a wealthy businessman named Premchand Roychand (known as the “Cotton King”) in memory of his mother, Rajabai.
  • The “Mother’s Bell”: Rajabai was blind and a devout follower of the Jain religion. According to tradition, she had to eat her dinner before sunset. The tower’s bell was designed to ring loudly so she could hear the time and know when to take her meals without anyone’s help.
  • Architectural Beauty: It is a world-class example of Venetian Gothic architecture, designed by a man who never even visited India!
  • UNESCO Status: As part of the Victorian ensemble, it represents the highest level of global heritage preservation.
4. Detailed History of the Heritage Site

The Rajabai tower history began on March 1, 1869, when the foundation stone was laid. The construction took nearly a decade and was finally completed in November 1878.

The project was funded entirely by Premchand Roychand, who donated ₹550,000—an enormous sum of money in the 19th century. He appointed the famous British architect Sir George Gilbert Scott to design the tower. Interestingly, Scott modeled the design after the clock towers of London and Oxford but added local touches to suit the Mumbai climate.

For over a century, the tower played 16 different tunes, including “God Save the King.” Today, while it chimes only one tune every 15 minutes, it still serves as the heartbeat of the University campus.

5. Architecture & Design Details

The Rajabai clock tower architecture details are a dream for anyone who loves design.

  • Style: It is a fusion of Venetian and Gothic Revival styles. You will see the pointed arches and tall spires typical of Gothic buildings, combined with the colorful stonework seen in Venice.
  • Materials: Four different types of stones were used: Kurla basalt (buff-colored), Porbandar limestone, and red stone from Dharangdhara. This gives the tower its unique multi-toned appearance.
  • Sculptures: If you look closely at the first level, you will see 24 statues representing different Indian communities of that time (like Parsis, Gujaratis, and Marathas). These were carved by students of the Sir J.J. School of Art.
  • Stained Glass: The tower features some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in India, which filter the sunlight into the library below in vibrant colors.
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6. How to Reach the Heritage Site

Because it is in the heart of South Mumbai, reaching the Rajabai Tower is very convenient.

By Local Train

  • Churchgate Station: This is the closest station. It is a simple 5-minute walk from the station to the Oval Maidan, where you get the best view of the tower.
  • CSMT: If you arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, it is a short 10-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute walk through the historic Fort district.

By Road (Taxi / Cab)

  • Simply tell your driver “University Clock Tower” or “Rajabai Tower.” Taxis are plentiful in this area.

By Bus

  • Any bus going to Hutatma Chowk (Flora Fountain) or Mantralaya will drop you very close to the tower.

From the Airport

  • The tower is about 22 km from the International Airport. It takes approximately 45–60 minutes via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
7. Entry Fees, Timings & Permissions
  • Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to view the tower from the outside.
  • Inside Access: Currently, the public is not allowed to enter the tower or climb to the top for safety reasons. Access is usually restricted to University students and staff using the library.
  • Timings: You can view the tower from the street or the Oval Maidan between 9:00 AM and 10:45 PM.
  • Photography: Taking photos from the outside (from the road or Oval Maidan) is free and allowed. Professional filming requires permission from the University of Mumbai.
8. Best Time to Visit
  • Best Months: November to February (Winter) is ideal because you can walk around the campus comfortably.
  • Best Time of Day: * Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): The sun sets behind the tower, making it a perfect spot for “Golden Hour” photography.
    • Early Morning: For a quiet experience before the city traffic gets too loud.
    • Night View: The tower is beautifully illuminated at night, making it look like a glowing lighthouse in the middle of the city.
9. Things to See at the Heritage Site
  • The Clock Face: Designed by the famous watchmakers Lund & Blockley, the clock is massive and still fully functional.
  • The University Library: Located at the base of the tower, this is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, with tall ceilings and historic wooden furniture.
  • The Statues: Try to spot the different costumes on the 24 statues carved around the tower’s mid-section.
  • The Spiral Staircase: Though you cannot climb it, you can see the entrance to the 13th-century style spiral stairs that lead to the bell gallery.
10. Things to Do Near the Heritage Site

You are in the “Heritage Mile” of Mumbai, so there is plenty to do within walking distance:

  • Oval Maidan: Cross the street and watch a game of cricket with the tower in the background.
  • Bombay High Court: Right next to the tower, this is another Gothic marvel.
  • Flora Fountain: A 5-minute walk takes you to this iconic white stone fountain.
  • Kala Ghoda: Visit the nearby art galleries, boutiques, and the famous Jehangir Art Gallery.
  • Book Street: Walk towards Flora Fountain to see hundreds of second-hand books piled up on the sidewalks—a paradise for readers!
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11. Cultural Importance & Visitor Experience

The Rajabai Clock Tower represents the intellectual soul of Mumbai. For students, it is a symbol of their hard work and graduation. For the city, it is a reminder of a time when local businessmen like Premchand Roychand invested their wealth into building public institutions rather than just private palaces. Standing under its shadow, you feel a sense of peace that is rare in the rest of busy Mumbai.

12. Safety Risks & Things to Be Careful About
  • Restricted Entry: Do not try to enter the tower without permission. Security is quite strict as it is a working university campus.
  • Traffic: The road between the Oval Maidan and the Tower is very busy. Be careful when crossing to take photos.
  • Monsoon: During heavy rains, the area can get quite slippery, and the tall trees in the campus can sometimes drop branches.
13. Safety Precautions
  • Respect Students: Remember that this is a University. Keep your voice down if you are near the library windows.
  • Follow the Rules: If a security guard tells you not to take photos in a certain spot, please follow their instructions.
  • Personal Belongings: Keep an eye on your bags while you are distracted by the beautiful architecture.
14. Things to Carry Before Visiting
  • Wide-Angle Camera: The tower is very tall, and a wide-angle lens helps you capture the whole structure from the street.
  • Binoculars: If you want to see the intricate statues and carvings high up on the tower.
  • Walking Shoes: You will likely be walking between the Tower, the High Court, and Flora Fountain.
  • A Light Snack: There aren’t many food stalls inside the campus, but plenty of great cafes are just 5 minutes away in Kala Ghoda.
15. Travel Tips
  • Photo Spot: The absolute best place for a photo is from the middle of the Oval Maidan. From there, you can get the green grass, the cricketers, and the full height of the tower in one frame.
  • Listen for the Chimes: Try to be there at the top of the hour to hear the deep, resonant sound of the bell—the same sound that Rajabai listened for over 140 years ago.
  • Combined Trip: Plan to visit the Bombay High Court Museum on the same day, as it is literally next door.

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