St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Catholic college in South Mumbai, India
St. Xavier's College is a Catholic college in South Mumbai housed in a multi-story colonial-era building with Gothic elements. The facade features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a central tower with carved stonework, while classrooms and lecture halls spread around several courtyards.
The college was founded by Jesuits in 1869 and began teaching with only two students in its first class. Bombay University recognized the institution in the same year, allowing it to grant official degrees.
The name comes from Francis Xavier, a Spanish missionary who worked in India during the 16th century and was later canonized. Students today use the shaded courtyards of the college between lectures as meeting points, where academic life and personal conversations mix.
Visitors can enter the outer areas and courtyards most days during daytime hours when the college is open. The library is usually available only to students and researchers with proper credentials.
Barack Obama held a town hall meeting with students during his presidential visit to India in November 2010. The library preserves reference materials from the 16th century, including rare manuscripts and early prints used for research purposes.
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