Hutatma Chowk, square in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Hutatma Chowk is a square in the Fort district of Mumbai featuring a large fountain at its center and a statue depicting two patriots holding torches. The space is ringed by Neo-Classical and Gothic Revival buildings, with walkways that allow people to stroll and gather throughout the day.
The square emerged when the British decided to demolish the old fort in 1860, and the Flora Fountain in Portland stone was constructed in 1864 and opened to the public in 1869. After India's independence, the space was renamed Hutatma Chowk in 1960 to commemorate 106 people shot during 1955 protests demanding a separate Marathi-speaking state.
The square serves as Martyrs Square, honoring those who died fighting for independence and a separate Marathi-speaking state. The statue of two patriots holding torches and the fountain together create a space where visitors can feel the weight of local political history and community pride.
The square is easily accessible, located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Churchgate railway stations, reachable by walking, cab, or bus through the historic Fort area. The surrounding area is excellent for shopping and exploring with local markets and souvenirs, and within a few kilometers are other major sites like the Gateway of India and historic buildings.
The fountain was funded by wealthy Parsi businessman Seth Cursetjee Furdoonji Parekh, and designer James Forsythe created the mythological statues adorning each corner. The site was once called the Piccadilly of the East because it resembled the famous Piccadilly Circus in London and represented Mumbai's growing economic importance.
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