Elphinstone College 3.82

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Elphinstone College is an institution of higher education affiliated to the University of Mumbai. Established in 1856 it is one of the oldest of colleges of the University of Mumbai. It is exalted as a prestigious seat of learning during the British Raj and is generally observed for its vibrant alumni. It is reputed for producing several luminaries like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Pherozshah Mehta, and Jamshedji Tata. It is further observed for having played a key role in spread of Western education in Bombay Presidency.
The year 2006 marked its Sesquicentennial celebrations of the college (i.e. from 1856–2006). At present it offers undergraduate level courses in the arts, sciences and commerce and is under the Governance of Maharashtra Government.
Locally, the college is famous for its 'Romanesque Transitional' style building that has been recently categorized as Grade I Heritage structure.

History
By 19th century Bombay was a prosperous centre for maritime trade and commerce. In 1824 an English school was set up by the Bombay Native Education Society for Indian students (while the opinion in Britain was against educating the 'natives').
In 1827 a resolution was passed that an institution for promotion of education should be established under Bombay Native Education Society and be designated as "Elphinstone College" (distinct from High School). This is after Hon. Mountstuart Elphinstone, the departing Governor of Bombay who was responsible for beginning higher education in the city. Rs.2,29,636.00 was collected by public subscription to fund teaching professorships in the English language and the Arts, Science and Literature of Europe. The professorships were in honour of Mountstaurt Elphinstone. The College was formally constituted in 1835. The classes commenced in 1836, at Town Hall, with the first two professors: Arthur Bedford Orlebar (Natural Philosophy) and John Harkness (General Literature).
In 1840, the professors' classes were amalgamated with the Society's High School to form the Elphinstone Native Education Institution. In 1945, the name was shortened to Elphinstone Institution.
Elphinstone College became a distinct institution, separated from the High School, on 1 April 1856. This year is officially considered to be the year of establishment of Elphinstone College.
The College was affiliated to University of Bombay in 1860.
Role in inception of Bombay University and other prominent colleges
• University of Bombay was established in the year 1857. Inception classes were held at Elphinstone college and was subsequently to moved to the present fort campus.

• To formalize legal education, a chair of Jurisprudence was set up, called Perry Professorship, at Elphinstone Institution in 1855. The same year, Dr. R. T. Reid (LL. B. Bar-at-Law) was appointed the first Perry professor of Jurisprudence and the Government Law School as it was then called. This is taken as the inception of the Government Law College Mumbai.
• It was suggested that premises Elphinstone College be used (during Morning Hours) for initial Classes of Jaihind College. The proposal was accepted and admission started for the Arts faculty in June 1948, with a formal inauguration in September 1948 at the Elphinstone College Library Hall.
• Sir J J School of Arts was founded in 1857 and was instituted to take up drawing classes. Initial classes were held at Elphinstone Institution.

Academics
Elphinstone college, like many other colleges of Mumbai, constitutes two different academic entities: Senior and Junior colleges.
Senior college is affiliated to University of Mumbai and imparts education leading to Bachelor degrees while Junior college is monitored by HSC Board and provides higher secondary education.

Legacy

The legacy of the College as a center of excellence was unparalleled in western India. During British Raj it was most coveted among colleges, standing alongside Presidency Colleges of Calcutta and Madras. However, post independence its standards declined and more so in the recent times. This is generally attributed to government negligence and red tapism.
College building
The building of the College, with its gothic architecture, has been classified as a grade 1 heritage structure. It is one of the most identified buildings of South Mumbai as a symbol British Raj Heritage.
Location
The College has an enviable location, in Kala Ghoda area of South Mumbai. Several landmarks, Business Districts and waters of Arabian Sea are at close proximity. The College is easily accessible both by train (from Churchgate and CST) and bus. The well-known Jehangir Art Gallery is across the street as also entrance to the Museum.