Bombay High Court

Stretching out before you is one of the longest buildings in Victorian Bombay: some 171 metres of facade. It was designed by the army engineer Colonel James A. Fuller in the 'Early English' Gothic Revival style. Work began in April 1871, was completed in November 1878, and the first sitting was held on 10 January 1879.

1A trial that made history

Cases that shaped India were heard in these halls. In 1908 Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the great nationalist leaders, was convicted of sedition here for his articles in the newspaper Kesari. He was sent to serve six years in prison in Mandalay, Burma. Tilak is the author of a famous line: 'Swaraj is my birthright'.

2The monkey judge

Now for the legend. The capitals and mouldings of the building were carved by Indian stonemasons whose names have not survived, and they are said to have had a fairly free hand. Several books on Victorian Bombay describe, among the animals and foliage, a monkey holding the scales of justice, sometimes with one eye bandaged, surrounded by foxes dressed as lawyers. It is usually read as the craftsmen's joke at the expense of British judges. It is unclear exactly where it is or whether it can be seen from outside, so take it for what it is: a story the city's lawyers adore.

If the monkey exists, it is the most discreet criticism ever carved into a courthouse.

3What to look for

• The statues of Justice and Mercy up on the roof.
• The two octagonal towers beside the central tower.
• The pointed arches and the two-tone stone.