In the late 19th century, when Jamsedji Tata was refused entry in Mumbai’s posh hotels because he was an “Indian” (posh hotels were restricted only to “whites” back then), he decided to build a grand hotel for Indians. It was named Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and was inaugurated on 1st December 1903. Tata promoted it as a desi hotel with “Latest Comforts”, “International Standards” & “Moderate Charges” as its USP, with room charges starting from Rs 6.
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Promotional Ad of Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, 1903.
Image Credit - oldindianads.com
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The original Indian architects were Sitaram Khanderao Vaidya and D. N. Mirza, and the project was completed by an English engineer, W. A. Chambers. The builder was Khansaheb Sorabji Ruttonji Contractor who also designed and built its famous central floating staircase. The cost of construction was £250,000.
When it opened in 1903, the hotel was the first in India to have: electricity, American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths and English butlers. Later it also had the city’s first licensed bar, India’s first all-day restaurant, and the India’s first discotheque.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was specifically chosen by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist organization for an attack so that it will be "striking a blow against a symbol of Indian wealth and progress".
On 26 November 2008, in a series of attacks in Mumbai, the hotel was attacked by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist group, during which material damage occurred, including the destruction of the hotel's roof in the hours following.
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