# Horniman Circle Gardens

The Horniman Circle Gardens is a large park in South Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, which encompasses an area of 1.01 hectares (2.5 acres). It is situated in the Fort district of Mumbai, and is surrounded by office complexes housing the country's premier banks. Designed to be a large open space with grand buildings in the middle of the walled city, the area had been known as Bombay Green in the 18th century, later Elphinstone Circle. Following India's independence in 1947, the area was renamed in honour of Benjamin Horniman, editor of The Bombay Chronicle newspaper, who supported Indian independence.

## History

The Horniman Circle was preceded by a vast circular expanse of land, called the Bombay Green. In 1842, the area had been just a dump of coconut shells and debris. It was described as a swamp during monsoon, and a 'receptacle' of rocks in 'fine weather'. It was described in passing as "the mother of dead dogs in monsoon, and of living ones in the hot season" , and a "free coup for rubbish".
The Green was very popular among the residents of Bombay. It was said that no part within the walls of the fort was so jealously guarded as the Green. A report from 11 April 1852 affirms this; A petition was sent by the residents of the city to the Court of Directors at London, against the erection of any building on Bombay Green. A copy of this petition was sent to "every firm or individual that knew Bombay". James Douglas, in his book Bombay And Western India ,1893 writes about the scene at night: Palkhees, would be spread wide over the green, and 'hamals' would sing their 'see-saw' songs in a joyous night. The vast expanse of land would be referred to as 'Chowk' by the natives, probably due to its central location in the fort township.
At the centre of it was a statue of Governor General Lord Cornwallis, enclosed in a structure resembling a temple, which was installed through the effort of Bombay's residents, in 1822. It cost £5000. On its right and left were situated statues of Wisdom and Integrity. It was being put up on 14 October 1824. A small courtyard surrounded it, and trees were planted along all its four sides. It was fenced by heavy metal chains. Owing to a misconception, the statue was worshiped by the poor, and the laborers, a practice which the government would try to stop. The statue would later be removed, and were found to be inside the Elphinstone Circle, along with a statue of Marquis Wellesley (which formerly located close to the former Churchgate) in 1895. Both the statues (though defaced) presently lie in the premises outside Bhau Daji Lad Museum.
During the Bombay Hurricane of 1837, the Green was submerged by waist deep water.
The Police Commissioner, Charles Forjett, thought of converting the Green into a circle surrounded by buildings. He was supported by governors Lord Elphinstone and Sir Bartle Frère. The garden was planned in 1869 and completed in 1872 with well laid out walkways and trees planted all around. An ornamental fountain was placed in the centre, but it was replaced by a modern art deco iron pipes design. The new circle was created North of the previous Bombay Green, aligned with the Town Hall, and the Churchgate Street.
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai building (Town Hall) overlooks the Horniman Circle Gardens and the Reserve Bank of India. Close by, in Nariman Street is St. Thomas Cathedral, the first Anglican church in Mumbai, completed in 1718.

## Events

Horniman Circle hosts the annual Sufi and mystic music festival, Ruhaniyat. It is also one of the venues of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival when several music and dance concerts are held at the park.

## Gallery

* Bombay Green,1751
* The Town Hall and part of Horniman Circle Gardens, c. 1905
* Horniman Circle, ca. 1860
* Bombay Green (c. 1860s)
* Bombay Green, looking towards the St. Thomas' Cathedral
* Town Hall Bombay & Cotton Green - before Elphinstone Circle was built. (12488176425)
* Times of India Buildings, corner of Horniman Circle), ca. 1880
* The BSE Bull, and the Common Man Sculptures near Horniman Circle
* Resting Place, and Pyau beside Horniman Circle
* Pyau at Horniman Circle
* Plaque of the Resting place near Horniman Circle Pyau