There are a handful of landmarks that are always the most recognisable when you look at a city. When viewing Mumbai in pictures, in cinema, and with your own eyes, one landmark stands as the most prominent symbol of the city–the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. This heritage five-star luxury hotel has stood sentinel over the city of dreams and as an enduring emblem of the centuries-old history of our nation. It is not only a luxury hotel for a myriad of guests but an epitome of the spirit of Mumbai.
The hotel has been a part of Bombay birthing Mumbai, collecting some of the most influential and affluent footfalls in India and globally over the years. The Taj Mahal, or simply the Taj as it is known, was, for over half a century, the first clear landmark to be seen by ocean-liners on the Arabian city approaching the city. Even now, it is still the most recognisable feature of Maximum City. As the grand hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary, here is a glimpse into its storied history and its enduring heritage.
Having opened its doors to customers on December 16 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel welcomed its first paying guests, 17 in total. After 120 years of the Taj, it is more than just a hotel; it represents the traits that have made Mumbai so incredible. Similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra, the mausoleum that represents the spirit of the city, the Taj Mahal Palace, in its role as a junction for the maharajas and the politicians, the film stars and the businessmen, a meeting point for lovers and through its standards, imbibes all that the city is and continues to be.
Jamsetji Tata commissioned the hotel, while the original architects were Sitaram Khanderao Vaidya and D. N. Mirza. English engineer W A Chambers and builder Khansaheb Sorabji Ruttonji Contractor contributed to the entirety of the palace, with Contractor designing the famous central floating staircase of the hotel. The landmark that signifies the wealth of the city also serves as a long-established premier meeting place for the rich and famous, occupying a unique position in the city's social life.
From its inception, the property has been a pioneer in comfort and convenience. Ahead of its time, it featured a garden-installed electric power plant supplying lights, four electric lifts, and a backup system in case of power failure. It also housed an air-conditioning system in the suites, the first in Asia, facilitated by a carbon dioxide ice-making plant producing 15 tons of ice daily.
Determined to offer unparalleled luxury, the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, showcased 30 private suite apartments, 350 rooms equipped with electric lights, fans, bells, irons, clocks, a power laundry, a chemist's shop, a resident doctor, a Turkish bath, and advanced sanitation, ensuring a pampering experience for every guest.
The Taj Mahal Palace is a living witness to numerous historical milestones, embodying a legacy of 'firsts.' From Lord Mountbatten's declaration of India's independence on its steps to pioneering butler service in the country, the hotel is steeped in tales of significance. The hotel is also home to Mumbai's first licensed bar, the renowned Harbour Bar, while during World War I, the hotel was turned into a 600-bed military hospital. Beyond the surface, the hotel reveals intriguing details, such as its Ballroom pillars crafted from the same steel as the Eiffel Tower and the Crystal Room's dazzling crystal chandeliers, a gift from Petit Mansion—Rati Petit, wife of Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
From hosting Indian Maharajas and Princes of the bygone era to, more recently, its roster of eminent guests like the Obamas, Prince and Princess of Wales William and Kate, the Prince of Morocco, Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Madonna and more, the hotel has been a hotbed for world-renowned guests coming to get a taste of Indian culture and hospitality. Politician and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who came to stay in 2009 after the horrific 2008 terrorist attacks where the hotel was the epicentre, extended her sympathy and solidarity with the employees and the guests of the hotel who lost their lives. On August 15 2010, India's Independence Day, the Taj Mahal Palace was reopened after restoration.
The hotel boasts remarkable architecture and interior design that seamlessly blend Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine styles and contemporary Indian influences. The interior exudes opulence with iconic domes, vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, and an eclectic array of furniture. The building's interiors are illuminated by a unique network of galleries, connected by Edwardian-Gujarati trellises and balustrades that traverse the entire structure.
Beyond its structural and design marvels, the Taj is renowned for hosting a treasure trove of precious artworks, reflecting a significant era in Indian history. Acquiring Indian Modern and Contemporary art from 1968 to the 70s, the Taj Group boasts pieces by eminent artists like M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, Jamini Roy, Tyeb Mehta, K.H. Ara, N.S. Bendre, Jehangir Sabavala, B. Vithal, B Prabha, Baiju Parthan, Bose Krishnamachari, Krishen Khanna, V.S. Gaitonde, and others. These iconic artworks, representing India in the Post-Independence era, have left an indelible mark on the hotel.
With one of the most impressive collections of art and antiques, the hotel features pieces from various periods and cultures worldwide. Noteworthy works, including key pieces currently exhibited at The Pierre, New York, showcase the hotel's commitment to preserving its artistic heritage. Upholding this legacy, The Taj Mahal Palace continues to exhibit a selection of its finest works, constantly expanding its collection by acquiring pieces from young and emerging artists. These exceptional works of art are a testament to the evolving patterns, trends, and styles, adding a contemporary dimension to this historic landmark.
Numerous wide-eyed shoppers stroll down the Colaba Causeway, browsing discount sales on clothes, bargaining at stalls selling Kolhapuri chappals, sandals, costume jewellery, ready-made garments, Kerala crocheted lace, brassware, and stainless steel utensils crafted in small cottage industries in the suburbs of Greater Bombay.
Apollo Bunder, now known as the Gateway of India, came to be how it is today before the turn of the century when reclamations widened the narrow causeway to Colaba. Initially featuring a Chinese-style pavilion and a practical Customs shed, these gave way to the majestic triumphal arch built to celebrate the earlier visit of the only British king-emperor to Indian soil. Ironically, its greatest moment was when the last British soldiers departed in March 1948, ending 284 years of British control.
The expanse of the Bunder is softened with lawns and flowerbeds encircling a bronze statue of an armed horseman gazing out to sea with his sword raised.
In the late afternoon, both the statue and Gateway are overshadowed by the Taj complex: the old Taj Mahal Hotel and its new wing, the Taj Tower Wing. The old Taj, a solid grey rock facing the sea, is softened by Saracenic towers and crowned with a red-tiled Florentine dome. The younger extension complements rather than dominates its more old-fashioned parent. Together, these buildings accommodate over 1,500 guests, with rooms rarely vacant even during the monsoon rains from June to September.