Elphinstone College is an institution of higher education affiliated to the University of Mumbai. Established in 1856, it is one of the oldest colleges of the University of Mumbai. It was 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 the Bombay Presidency. The year 2006 marked the Sesquicentennial celebrations of the college (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. 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').