Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 38

The Gateway of India was erected to mark the landing of which king

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the British monarchs who visited India during the colonial period.

Correct Answer: B) George V.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Gateway of India is a significant historical monument located in Mumbai, India. It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in 1911. The construction of the Gateway of India was part of the grand celebrations marking the visit of the British monarch to India during the colonial period.

The Gateway of India is a large arch made of basalt, standing 26 meters high. It is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder, a popular meeting place. The monument was designed by the British architect George Wittet and was built between 1911 and 1924. The construction was completed in 1924, and the Gateway of India was officially opened on December 4, 1924, by the Viceroy of India, the Earl of Reading.

The Gateway of India is a symbol of the British colonial era in India. It was built to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, who were the first British monarchs to visit India. The visit was a significant event in the history of British colonial rule in India, and the Gateway of India was erected to mark this occasion.

It is important to note that the Gateway of India was not built to commemorate the visit of other British monarchs such as James VI, Edward VI, or James V. These monarchs either ruled before the construction of the Gateway of India or never visited India. The Gateway of India is specifically associated with the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

Understanding the historical context of the Gateway of India is crucial for comprehending its significance in Indian history. The monument stands as a reminder of the British colonial period and the grand celebrations that marked the visit of the British monarch to India. It is a symbol of the complex relationship between India and Britain during the colonial era.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. James VI was the King of Scotland and later became James I of England, but he never visited India. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of a different British monarch.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The Gateway of India was erected to mark the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in 1911. This event was significant in the context of British colonial rule in India.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Edward VI was the King of England from 1547 to 1553 and never visited India. The Gateway of India was built much later, in the early 20th century.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. James V was the King of Scotland from 1513 to 1542 and never visited India. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V, not James V.

Mnemonic: G for Gateway, G for George V

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