Bombay is known as Mumbai these days and Madras is known as Chennai. Both of these cities became the main presidencies during British rule. Very quickly these cities became centres of political, commercial and cultural activities. Both of these cities developed to a great deal in music and dance as well.

1. Mumbai: Instead of political and commercial activities, Bombay became the centre of cultural activities under the East India Company in 1668 A.D. This city got royal protection and that’s why, many new schools and colleges were opened over here. All round development of music, dance and dramas took place over here. Field of literature also developed very quickly due to the development of new style of writing. Except this new styles of literature, painting and architecture were also developed.

Buildings of Mumbai: Different models of architecture of Mumbai still remind us about Colonial rulers and their style. All these building are made in Indo-European style.

Their brief description is given below :

(а) Prince of Wales Museum: Prince of Wales Museum is known as the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalya’ these days. It is situated in south Mumbai near to Gateway of India. It was made in the beginning of 20th century in the memory of Indian Journey of Prince of Wales and Ruler of Britain Edward VII. The work of building was given to a famous architect George Wiltet in 1909 A.D. It was completed in 1915 A.D. It is a beautiful mixture of many elements of architectural technique. This building has three floors and on the top, dome is there. This dome looks alike the dome of Taj Mahal. Its windows and floor match with the palaces of Mughals. Symbols of monuments of ancient India and architecture of Indus Valley Civilization can be seen over here.

(b) Gate Way of India: Gate Way of India is situated near to the Prince of Wales Museum on the coast of Arabic Sea. It was made by George Wiltet and his friend John Beigh. It was made in the memory of Delhi Durbar Journey of George V and Queen Mary in India.

(c) Victoria Terminas: Victoria Terminas was prepared in 1888 A.D. Now it is known as the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminas’. It’s earlier name was kept on the name of the Ruler of Britain Queen Victoria. Its model was prepared by the famous British architect F.W. Starus (Stievans). It took around 10 years to built this terminas. It was given the name of ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminas’ in March 1996. It was included in the world heritage of UNESCO on the 2nd July 2004.

(d) Other Buildings of Mumbai: There are many other important buildings in Mumbai except the previously mentioned buildings and these are General Post Office, Municipal Corporation, Raja Bhai Tower, Bombay University. All these buildings were built in 19th and 20th centuries.

2. Chennai: Chennai (Madras) was built in 1639 A.D. by taking land from the local leaders. It was developed into a metropolitan city in 1658 A.D. and it became a presidency. Every type of art of Southern India, like dance and music, was developed over here. Many buildings were built over here in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Following are the famous places of Chennai:

• Sea Beaches of Chennai. Sea beaches of Chennai are very famous all over India. Merina Beach is quite famous out of these beaches. It is around 6 km long. Many famous buildings are situated in front of it. V.G.B. Golden beach is one of the other famous beaches of Chennai. It is generally overcrowded by children due to the availability of toy trains over here.
• War Memorial. War memorial is also a beautiful building that was built in Chennai. It was built in the memory of the soldiers who had died during the First World War.
• High Court. Building of High Court of Chennai completed in 1892 A.D. It is the second famous Judicial complex in the world. Its dome and galleries are fine examples of Indo-European architectural techniques.
• Other Famous Buildings. Other famous buildings of Chennai which were made during British rule are George Tower, Saint Thomas Cathedral Basilika, Presidency College, Rippen Building, Chennai Central Station, Southern Railway Headquarters, etc.