The Bombay Blueprint: Gamdevi & Walkeshwar | From Temples to Bungalows

Summary

The transcript explores the historical and architectural richness of areas in Bombay, focusing on the legends, evolution, and unique architecture of places like Kotachi, Gamdevi, Malabar Hill, and the surrounding precincts. It highlights fascinating tales, such as the origin of local temples like Gamdevi and Babul Nath, and the architectural influence of the Bombay Improvement Trust. The narrative also delves into the transformation of Malabar Hill from a pirate-infested zone to a hub of wealth, with mentions of key figures like David Sassoon and landmarks like the Mahalakshmi Temple and Sans Souci bungalow, offering a deep dive into Bombay's fascinating past.

Takeaways

• 😀 The area beyond Churnney Road in Bombay is known for its rich history, picturesque sites, and being a haven for the wealthy.
• 😀 Kotachi is a beautiful East Indian enclave in Girgaum, originally established when a farmer sold land to his East Indian friends.
• 😀 Gamdevi, known for the Gamdevi Temple, is divided into a planned area and an unplanned area, with the planned area being developed by the Bombay Improvement Trust.
• 😀 The architecture in Gamdevi, particularly Laburnum Road, is highly planned, with uniform height, plinth, and plot size across the buildings.
• 😀 The Saraswat Colony in Gamdevi was one of the first cooperative housing societies, with a unique architectural style blending Edwardian, vernacular, and Kituri influences.
• 😀 The Blavatski Lodge in Gamdevi is a significant Indosaracenic building with religious symbolism, located near French Bridge.
• 😀 The area around Gandvi Mandir is said to be protected from tsunamis due to the belief that the sea is safeguarded by the Gamdevi Temple.
• 😀 Three legends about the area near Churnney Road include Lord Ram praying to Shiva, the creation of the Bananga water source, and the promise of a king to surround the Babulnath temple with babul trees.
• 😀 Malabar Hill, once avoided due to pirate activity, became a wealthy area after the British moved their headquarters from King Circle, leading to the construction of mansions and European-style bungalows.
• 😀 Breach Candy got its name from the breach of water into the city and the British intervention to create embankments to prevent flooding and improve hygiene.

Q & A

What is the significance of Kotachi in the context of Bombay's history?

Kotachi is an East Indian enclave in the heart of Girgaum, Bombay. It was established when Bahamari Kot, a farmer, sold part of his land to his East Indian friends. This area is known for its unique charm and picturesque beauty, with beautiful balconies and a quiet, tranquil atmosphere.

What is the difference between the planned and unplanned areas of Gamdevi?

Gamdevi is divided into two parts: a planned area and an unplanned one. The unplanned area is where the Gamdevi Temple is located, while the planned area extends beyond the Gamdevi police station and includes places like Azad Maidan. The planned part has streets at 90-degree angles, showcasing the influence of the Bombay Improvement Trust.

What architectural style is unique to the Saraswat colony in Gamdevi?

The architecture of the Saraswat colony in Gamdevi is a blend of Edwardian, vernacular, and Kituri styles. This distinctive style is seen in many buildings, resembling the architectural designs of the Brahmin flats in Kpuri, despite the geographical distance between the two areas.

What are the legends associated with the Gamdevi and Babunath temples?

Three legends are tied to the area around Gamdevi and Babunath temples. The first involves Lord Ram praying to Shiva for help in retrieving his wife, with the result being the creation of the Valeshwar temple. The second story relates to a water fountain appearing when Ram shot an arrow into the ground, leading to the creation of Banana Ganga. The third legend tells of a king surrounded by foes who prayed for help, promising to surround a temple with babul trees, which is why the temple is called Babunath.

What role did the Gamdevi Mandir play in Bombay's history?

Gamdevi Mandir was considered the protector of Bombay. People believed it shielded the city from tsunamis and natural disasters. This belief contributed to the mandir's significance in Bombay's cultural and historical identity.

What is the connection between the Walkeshwar and Gandvi temples?

Historically, a pilgrimage route existed from Gandvi Mandir to Walkeshwar Mandir. Devotees would walk the slope known as Sidi Road, from Gandvi to the temple on Malabar Hill, a practice that was both religious and a reflection of the area's cultural significance.

How did the name 'Malabar Hill' originate?

Malabar Hill is named after the Malabar pirates who once resided in the area. These pirates would attack ships passing through the point, and their actions led to the hill being named after their origin in Malabar, which is a coastal region in southwestern India.

Why was Malabar Hill initially avoided by people in Bombay?

In the early days, Malabar Hill was not a sought-after area due to its association with pirates and the difficulty of accessing it. However, over time, the British began to develop it into a fashionable residential area, transforming it into the affluent neighborhood it is today.

What is the significance of Breach Candy in Bombay's history?

Breach Candy's name comes from an incident when the city's embankment failed, allowing water to breach the area, causing a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The British then created an embankment to stop the water, thus improving hygiene. It was also a popular spot for Europeans to view the racecourse from the hills of Malabar.

What is the connection between David Sassoon and Malabar Hill?

David Sassoon, a prominent figure in Bombay's history, bought a bungalow in Malabar Hill known as Sans Sushi. Though originally in Bula, his estate in the area became a symbol of wealth and influence. His legacy also includes the development of the Jewish colony in Bula, and his contributions to the city's architectural heritage are noteworthy.