The Coast of Freedom | 9 Mumbai landmarks that played a pivotal role in India's Independence

Mumbai's landmarks tell compelling stories of India's journey to independence, each echoing with the fervour of the freedom struggle. From the historic Gateway of India to the Asiatic Library, these sites are are symbols of resistance and triumph. They serve as powerful reminders of the bravery and resolve that fuelled a nation's fight for freedom.

So on this 78th Independence Day, delve deeper into these 9 historic Mumbai landmarks that played pivotal roles in shaping India's path to freedom.

Once a crucible of the Swadeshi movement, Babu Gen(u) Chowk is where India's fight for economic independence ignited with fierce determination. Named after the fearless freedom fighter Babu Genu, who sacrificed his life resisting British oppression, this unassuming corner of Kalbadevi stands as a testament to the power of collective defiance. It was here that the seeds of India's freedom struggle were sown, as leaders and citizens rallied to boycott British goods and embrace the spirit of self-reliance.

This modest three-storey house in Mumbai, where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. It served as the headquarters for planning major anti-colonial campaigns, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt March. In this residence, Gandhi also started using the charkha, which became an iconic symbol of his philosophy and the independence movement.

Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Mumbai witnessed a defining moment in India's history on December 28, 1885, when it hosted the birth of the Indian National Congress. This event marked the beginning of organised nationalism in India, transforming the college from a centre of Sanskrit studies into the cradle of a powerful political movement. The INC's formation united diverse voices against British rule, laying the foundation for India's freedom struggle and aspirations for self-governance.

On August 8, 1942, August Kranti Maidan, once known as Gowalia Tank, etched its name in India's freedom struggle. This historic ground in Mumbai became the epicentre of the Quit India Movement when Mahatma Gandhi delivered his stirring "Do or Die" speech. His words ignited the spirits of over 40,000 assembled Indians, uniting them in a resolute demand for British departure from Indian soil.

Beyond being a cherished local retreat, it served as a pivotal stage for Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders to rally massive crowds against British rule. It was here in 1930 that Gandhi defied the Salt Act, transforming the beach into a symbol of peaceful resistance and unity. Additionally, Girgaon Chowpatty was the site of Bal Gangadhar Tilak's solemn funeral procession, marking both a significant loss and the enduring spirit of India's quest for independence.

Perched atop the grand steps of the Town Hall in Mumbai’s Horniman Circle, the Asiatic Library is a landmark steeped in India’s freedom struggle. Established in 1804 by Sir James Mackintosh, it was a pivotal meeting place for nationalist leaders and intellectuals. In the early 20th century, its halls buzzed with discussions and revolutionary ideas that fueled the quest for independence. The library’s significance is further marked by Lord Elphinstone’s reading of the Queen’s Proclamation in 1858 and Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes being displayed here posthumously.

Bombay Dock was the heart of the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny on February 18, 1946, where Indian sailors at HMS Talwar sparked a revolt that spread to 74 ships and 22 naval units nationwide. They replaced Union Jacks with red flags and rallied the public in defiance of British rule. Despite its brutal suppression, with over 250 sailors killed, the mutiny accelerated the end of British colonial rule in India.

The India Coffee House was a historic landmark that was pivotal in India’s struggle for independence. In the early 20th century, it served as a lively gathering place for freedom fighters and intellectuals to strategise against British rule. Beyond its role as a café, it functioned as an unofficial news hub and venue for organising protests and recruiting volunteers, vital for sustaining the resistance amidst heavy media censorship.

The Gateway of India, built in 1924 to honour King George V and Queen Mary, transitioned from a symbol of British imperialism to a landmark of liberation. On February 28, 1948, it marked the departure of the last British troops, symbolising the end of colonial rule and the triumph of Indian independence.