David Sassoon Clock Tower

In Mumbai’s Byculla area is located Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, the city’s oldest public garden and zoo. It was formerly known as Victoria Gardens. At the garden’s entrance is a beautiful old clock tower.

Known as David Sassoon Clock Tower, it was built in 1864 in the Palladian style of architecture. It is said that the tower is the only structure in the city with this architectural style. Out of the total cost of building the tower, a majority of the cost was funded by David Sassoon hence the tower has been dedicated to him. David Sassoon was a prominent merchant and philanthropist from that era.

It is said that the main body of the tower has been built from locally sourced Porbandar stone.  Some parts of the tower have been decorated with beautiful, ornamental tiles. There is also an artistic, wrought iron staircase on one side.

The clock tower rises through the trees at the garden’s entrance. During the day, one can find people peacefully resting in the shade of the trees and the tower, while children play in the garden. It is a beautiful piece of history and is reminiscent of a bygone era.