Clock towers gained prominence through the British colonial interval, as mechanical clocks have been tough to supply, in accordance with a information report. These constructions not solely displayed the symbols of energy and authority but in addition mirrored a fusion of numerous architectural types, starting from Gothic to Mughal. Moreover, clock towers ensured that everybody, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, may test the time. Here are some of probably the most outstanding and nonetheless totally useful clock towers in India.
Ghantaghar in Udaipur
A view of Ghantaghar in Udaipur.
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Serving as Udaipur’s first public clock-tower, this ghantaghar (also called the clock-tower) is a historic landmark and a preferred vacationer attraction, inbuilt 1887. A dispute between two communities led to each being fined ₹500. However, the Pradhan (president) intervened and recommended that as an alternative of paying fines, a clock tower ought to be constructed as a logo of peace and concord. The tower additionally serves as a tribute to the Royal Family of Mewar.
Trivia: Before its development, folks relied on jal ghadis (water clocks) to inform time.
Hussainabad clock tower, Lucknow
A view of Hussainabad clock tower, Lucknow
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Located within the Hussainabad space of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, this 221-foot-tall clock tower stands as a marvel of British structure, adorned with intricate and delightful designs. It is believed that every time an earthquake strikes town, the highest of the tower — a dome-shaped construction with a finial made of a golden ball and crammed with mercury — rotates. This clock tower was constructed within the late nineteenth Century through the rule of Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider, the third Nawab of Awadh. Construction started in 1880 and was accomplished in 1881 to commemorate the arrival of Sir George Cooper, the Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces of Avadh and Oudh. The tower superbly blends Mughal and Victorian architectural types. However, the clock stopped functioning in 1984. A significant change occurred in 2010 when Paritosh Chauhan and Akhilesh Agarwal restored the clock, and town as soon as once more heard its bells chime.
Trivia: It is the tallest clock tower within the nation and is impressed by London’s Big Ben.
Secunderabad clock tower
A view of Secunderabad clock tower.
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Located in Secunderabad, this centuries-old clock-tower as soon as served as a timekeeper for town when private watches have been unusual. This 120-foot-high clock tower was constructed round 1860 and commissioned by the British. Its development was accomplished in 1896. It is claimed that the clock on the tower was donated by Dewan Bahadur Seth Lachmi Narayan Ramgopal, a businessman.
Trivia: The clock tower was proposed for demolition in 2003 to make manner for site visitors however was in the end renovated in 2006.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai
A view of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai.
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Built between 1887 and 1888, this clock tower in Mumbai, initially referred to as Victoria Terminus in honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, is a shocking instance of Victorian Gothic Revival structure blended with Indian conventional components. Its design options towering turrets and pointed arches, making it a defining image of Mumbai because the “Gothic City” and a key worldwide mercantile port. A real pillar of timekeeping, the clock stays illuminated even at night time, due to its entrance panel made of acrylic sheeting and 5 mercury mild bulbs. Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, this clock tower performed a major function in shaping Mumbai’s architectural identification.
Trivia: In 2004, the clock tower was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royapettah Clock Tower, Chennai
A view of Royapettah clock tower in Chennai.
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Standing tall amid the bustling site visitors and sultry warmth of Chennai is the Royapettah Clock Tower. Built in 1930 within the Art Deco fashion, it’s one of 4 standalone clock towers within the metropolis — the others are positioned in Mint, Doveton, and Pulianthope. Once a significant timekeeper for residents and commuters, it now stands as a nostalgic reminder of town’s colonial previous and architectural heritage. For those that pause to note, it gives a glimpse into an period when public clocks have been an element of on a regular basis life, not merely relics of historical past.
Trivia: A century in the past, it’s mentioned that British officers would hearth cannonballs exactly at 8 p.m. to mark the time.
Published – June 13, 2025 10:00 am IST
