Hutatma Chowk (“Martyrs’ Square”) is the official name of a square in South Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The square hosts Flora Fountain and was known by that name until 1960. It was officially renamed in 1960 in memory of the members of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, who lost their lives when police fired upon their peaceful demonstration. A statue of a “Martyr with a Flame” stands next to Flora Fountain.
Erected in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere, to whose progressive policy Mumbai owes many of her great public buildings. It is situated in the heart of the city in front of the Public Works Secretariat.
Hutatma chowk marks the junction of five streets as the ‘ Picadilly Circus’ of Mumbai.
Decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the fountain is a structure of dull stone with a figure of ‘Flora’ the roman goddess of flowers at the top. Flora Fountain has been declared as a heritage structure that continues to soothe the passers-by with its spray of water.
Encircled by imperial colonial buildings, the fountain still depicts the royal times. It cost Rs. 47,000 to build, a princely sum at the time and was constructed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India. Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh donated Rs.20,000 towards the construction of this fountain. The fountain was carved from stone that was imported from Portland.
In 1908, the grass and palm trees that originally surrounded the fountain were removed proving space for the tram lines and kerb of the fountain for increasing pedestrian and horse traffic. Today the Hutatma chowk area is one of the busiest places in the city, with many banks, shop and offices surrounding it.
