Elphinstone College occupies a unique position in the annals of education in the country. It is one of the rarest institutions, born even before the University of Mumbai, to which it was later on affiliated.
Recently the Elphinstone College has been accredited ‘A’ grade by NAAC (National Assessment & Accreditation Council). The report submitted by the Peer Team appreciates the efforts taken by its teachers to maintain a student friendly atmosphere & brilliant results.
The institution is known for its open access to students from all strata of the society. This includes various communities, income groups and interests. It is one of the few colleges in Mumbai with an extensive hostel facility for both boys and girls. Located within a walking range from the College and overlooking the Marine Drive, the hostel is certainly among the unique strengths of the College.
The College has an enviable location, which is also historically significant. The building of the College, with its gothic architecture, has been classified as a grade I Heritage structure. It has recently been restored by the Kala Ghoda Association and the college has regained its luminous look. It stands out like a pearl as night falls. The Elphinstone College was awarded Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation, in 2004 by UNESCO for the one of the best Heritage buildings restored.
The rich library of the college has a collection of over one lakh books, journals and periodicals. Its range is vast - from some of the oldest and rarest books in the country to the latest and the contemporary.
Equally modern and well equipped are the computer and science laboratories, which adequately refine the students’ abilities. Besides teaching and learning, the students can also avail of the state of the art Fitness Centre, set up in the Gymkhana. It is only natural that some of the prominent sports personalities have blossomed here.
The interest of the students has always been at the heart of dedicated teachers, many of whom have been eminent personalities in their areas, be it academics or otherwise.
About Us
THE ROAD AHEAD
In addition to the courses for Junior and Degree College, the College also conducts job oriented Diploma Courses, such as the Certificate Course in Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems. These skill-enhancer certificate courses will be conducted on part time and full time basis. This is in addition to “Knowledge Management Centre” which is on the anvil.
Over the past 150 years, Elphinstone College has established itself at the national level, as an institution of learning to reckon with. Even in a recent survey by a national weekly, the College ranked in the top ten institutions of higher learning in the Arts faculty.
Prof. Muller had said,
“It was impossible to be great in India without being an Elphinstonian”.
It remains true even today!
COLLEGE BUILDING
This majestic building was designed by Trubshaw and Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Murzban in the 1880's. Originally meant to house the Government Central Press, it was completed by John Adams, Executive Engineer to the Bombay Government at a total cost of Rs 7,50,000 (Rupees seven and a half lakhs) which included a substantial sum donated by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir. The building was used for academic activities from April 1888.
The Elphinstone College building is amongst the finest Victorian structures in India. It is a breathtaking architectural composition of a dynamic fenestration scheme, ordered by flanking stone turrets roofed over in tiled pyramid-shaped roofs. Finely articulated stone balconies, brackets and balustrades along with intricately designed surface motifs add to the decorative features of the building. With an imposing facade and skyline, it is among the select list of Grade I Heritage buildings in the city, meriting careful restoration and preservation of its historic fabric.
The College building has been nominated for UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation for the year 2004
HISTORY
The year 1827 : A resolution was passed that an institution for the promotion of education should be established under the Bombay Native Education Society and be designated as “Elphinstone College”. The enlightened citizens of Mumbai collected a sum of Rs. 2,29,636.00, for teaching English Language, the Arts and Literature of Europe. This was a tribute to the departing Governor of Bombay, Mountstuart Elphinstone (1819-27). The Elphinstone Institution was formally constituted in 1835.
The classes commenced in 1836 with the first two Professors Arthur Bedford Orlebar, Professor of Natural Philosophy and John Harkness, Professor of General Literature. Elphinstone College, as a distinct institution, separated from the High School, in April 1956. It was affiliated to the University of Bombay in 1860. On 20th February 1871, the College moved to a building on Parel Road. In April 1888, the College was shifted to the present building on Esplande Road (now Mahatma Gandhi Road).
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