Institute of Science

The Institute of Science is an institution of research located in Mumbai, India. It is managed by the Government of Maharashtra. Formerly renowned as Royal Institute of Science (RIS), it was established in 1920. It is currently affiliated to the University of Mumbai, and it's research centres around all branches of science including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Bio-Technology and environmental studies. The Institute was founded by Baron Sydenham.

The Institute's buildings were constructed out of four private donations. Sir Cowasji Jehangir donated money for the Institute's east wing. The construction of the west flank of the main building was paid for by Jacob Sassoon, and the east flank by Sir Currimbhoy Ebrahim, Bt. Vasanji Mulji donated funds for the library.

The foundation stone for the Institute, designed by George Wittet, was laid in 1911. Completed in 1920, the building stands next to the Gothic structures of the Rajabai tower of University of Mumbai and the Elphinstone College.

Built in yellow Kharodi basalt stone from the district of Thane, this elegant, curving facades of the two wings, joined by the flat central dome of the Cowasji Jehangir Hall, manage to harmonise with the 19th century buildings surrounding it. Protected from the street by the many-arched facades are a botanical garden, herbarium and a park.

References

* [http://iscmumbai.maharashtra.gov.in/ Official Website of Institute of Science]
* [http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/architecture/building/inst-science.html Information about Institute of Science]