The Lion & Tiger Statues

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly the Victoria Terminus) in Mumbai has several symbolic motifs and statues intricately carved upon its structure. It’s a majestic site to behold and visitors can always spot people admiring the architecture.

The grand entrance gate of the station is flanked on either side by two magnificent columns. Perched upon these columns, proudly gazing at the thoroughfare around are the statues of a lion and a tiger.

According to sources, the lion represents Britain and the tiger represents India. Together, these beautiful royal felines guard the entrance to this heritage building. It’s said that these statues represent the merging of the two cultures during the 19th century. The building was built between 1878-1887 by Frederick Williams Stevens in an Italian Gothic style of architecture.

Around the building, one can also spot several gargoyles, lion figures bearing the GIPR emblem (The Great Indian Peninsular Railway), and other symbolic statues and carvings.

As one keenly observes the intricacies of the building, more details unfold. One can spend some fun time here while walking past this UNESCO World Heritage Site.