Surat Clock Tower, Zampa Bazaar, Parsi Sheri, Surat, Gujarat India
Surat is a famous and historical city of Gujarat. During my travels, I saw many heritage sites, one of them being the clock tower of Surat. It is situated in Parsi Sheri in the heart of the city. Anyway, this area is famous for jewellery. The showrooms of many famous jewelers are located here. Surat Castle and Gopi Talav etc are easily accessible from here.
In appearance, this structure appears to be a simple Clock tower. A fifty feet high structure erected on a square base in European Style of Architecture. Ground floor is having an arched door to access the staircase leading to the mechanical clock chamber and bell chamber. Above the four clocks there are four arched windows with round ventilators at the Centre in the direction of clock’s faces. Hourly and half an hourly bell was ringing to assist the people about the time.
During the British Raj, Surat City was famous for weavers and textile industry. Workers from all parts of India used to come in search of work. Poverty was so much that it was difficult for the common man to buy a watch to keep track of time.
Khan Bahadoor Burjorji Marwanji Fraser was a kind gentleman and a Parsi businessman. Who built this clock tower in the memory of his father for common Suratites in the year 1871 and at that time its cost came to Rs 14000.
Today this clock tower is a heritage and a symbol of service.
