29 June,2015 08:20 AM IST | | Dhara Vora
Surrounded by architectural marvels such as the Maharashtra Police Headquarters (earlier Royal Alfred Sailor’s Home), Regal Cinema and the National Gallery of Modern Art building, is the Wellington Fountain
Wellington Fountain
Surrounded by architectural marvels such as the Maharashtra Police Headquarters (earlier Royal Alfred Sailor's Home), Regal Cinema and the National Gallery of Modern Art building, is the Wellington Fountain.
One of the lesser-known fountains of the heritage locality, it was built to commemorate Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington's heroic exploits and his visits to the city in 1801 and 1804. While in India, he fought in the battle that saw the defeat of Tipu Sultan.
He gained international recognition when he commanded the allied army and defeated Napoléon Bonaparte's army at the Battle of Waterloo.
Fought on June 18, 1815, this year has been witnessing various bicentenary celebrations of the war that finally ended with the fall of Bonaparte. The stone fountain has recently got a fresh coat of paint, and the circle has been renamed as Dr Shyamaprasad Mukherji Chowk.
An interesting neighbour to the fountain is the Waterloo Mansion that is now known as Indian Mercantile Mansion and is home to the world-famous Phillips Antiques. The Fountain was built in 1865.
