HQ Maharashtra Gujarat and Goa Area
1. In 1675, British Governor Gerald Aungier took over the possession of Colaba and Old Woman’s Land (Little Colaba) from Portuguese on behalf of the East India Company. Thereafter, Colaba was solely reserved for military purpose and thus started its history as a Military Station.
2. During 1770, the isle (island) was used as a health resort for sick troops. It was considered a very healthy place with sea all around and the buildings created were called Sick Bungalows, now INHS Ashvini.
3. Military History of Area Headquarter dates back to the 18th Century when a Coastal Artillery Battery was located at Mumbai. In order to administer the garrison and troops location in the erstwhile Bombay State, a formation HQ was raised at Colaba on 25 Jan 1889. The formation was named the ‘Bombay District’ with Brig Gen WT Buden, DSO, as the first commander.
4. During the year 1900, certain operation responsibilities were assigned to the HQ and it was re-named the ‘Bombay Brigade’ on 10 Oct 1900. Comd of the formation was also upgraded and Maj Gen AG Greagh, CB, was designated as the first GOC.
5. Post-Independence, Maj Gen DS Brar, OBE took over as the first GOC of the formation. Consequent to the division of Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat States, the name of the formation HQ was changed to HQ Maharashtra and Gujarat (M&G) Area on 01 May 1960. Goa State was placed under the jurisdiction of M&G Area wef 09 Feb 2004 and thereafter HQ Maharashtra & Gujarat Area was re-designated as HQ Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area.
