The Bombay Blueprint: Villages of Bandra

Summary

In this episode, the narrator explores the unique and historical aspects of Bandra, an area in Mumbai known for its distinctive villages such as Ranar, Pali, and Chimbai. These areas, once farming and fishing villages, boast a rich vernacular and Indo-Portuguese architectural influence, with narrow lanes designed for shade and security. The episode delves into the clever designs of these homes, including outdoor staircases and balconies, and how the community's social interactions are deeply rooted in the architecture. Bandra's villages offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, blending European influence with Indian traditions, and shaping the area’s culture and lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bandra has a distinct vibe compared to the rest of Bombay, with its own unique villages and stories.
• 😀 The area has several 'Urban Villages' like Ranar, Pali, and Chimbai, each with its own history and characteristics.
• 😀 Ranar was originally a farming village, while Pali and Chimbai had connections to the coastal areas.
• 😀 In the late 1800s and early 1900s, living near railway stations was considered more valuable than living near the coast.
• 😀 The houses in Ranar were built very close to each other for security and shade, and many date back to the 1500s and 1600s.
• 😀 Narrow streets and overhang balconies in Bandra’s villages provided shade, a clever design choice for hot climates.
• 😀 Indo-Portuguese houses are common in these villages, often with external staircases to save interior space and make the homes more functional.
• 😀 These houses also helped families expand by allowing them to rent out separate floors to tenants without disrupting family life.
• 😀 The concept of verandas (or balconies) in Bandra houses is rooted in Portuguese influence, and they serve as social spaces for interaction among neighbors.
• 😀 The presence of crosses at the entrance of each village in Bandra is a legacy from the plague era, with some crosses serving as protection while others are symbols of gratitude.
• 😀 The area of Bandra also features unique squares (agna) where the community gathers for social events like weddings and festivals.

Q & A

What is the significance of the different villages in Bandra, like Ranar, Pali, and Chimbai?

Each village in Bandra has its own distinct history and flavor. Ranar and Pali were farming villages, while Chimbai, being near the coast, was a Koli (fishing) village. These villages helped shape the development and identity of Bandra, which has grown from a rural to a more urban area.

Why was real estate in Bandra more expensive near railway stations in the 1800s than along the coast?

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the railway stations were the primary modes of transport, making land near them more valuable. The coastal areas, though later developed, were initially occupied by fishing villages, making them less desirable for real estate development at the time.

How do the narrow streets and overhang balconies of Bandra villages contribute to the area's climate and architecture?

The narrow streets and overhang balconies are designed to provide shade, which helps cool the environment. The architectural feature of narrow streets and external staircases reflects the vernacular design, aimed at creating comfortable, cool spaces in a hot urban environment.

What is the historical reason behind the narrow streets in Bandra's villages?

The narrow streets were designed for two key reasons: security and shade. Historically, these villages had little security, so narrow lanes allowed for easier defense. Additionally, the narrow lanes and overhanging balconies helped provide shade, keeping the areas cooler.

How do the Indo-Portuguese houses in Bandra reflect a blend of Indian and Portuguese architecture?

Indo-Portuguese houses in Bandra have elements like wooden staircases, pitched roofs, and distinctive balustrades that reflect Portuguese influence. However, they are also deeply rooted in Indian vernacular traditions, with these features adapted to local needs and climate.

Why were external staircases a clever design feature in the traditional houses of Bandra?

External staircases were designed to save space inside the house, allowing for better utilization of the interior area. This design also provided privacy, as the ground and first floors could be rented out without tenants needing to access the main living space.

What role did the 'balco' (balcony) play in the social life of Bandra's villages?

The 'balco' or balcony was a key social space in Bandra’s villages. It served as a semi-public area where people would interact with their neighbors, engage in social activities, and keep an eye on the street, creating a strong sense of community and connectedness.

What cultural significance do the crosses in Bandra's villages hold?

The crosses in Bandra’s villages were originally put up by the residents to protect themselves from the plague or to express gratitude after surviving the disease. These crosses have since become part of the vernacular architecture and are important symbols of the region's cultural and historical legacy.

How did the architecture of Bandra's villages influence the city's development?

The architecture of Bandra's villages, with features like narrow streets, external staircases, and Indo-Portuguese design elements, greatly influenced the urban planning and aesthetic of the city. These features were later adopted in other parts of Mumbai, blending European influences with local traditions.

What is the significance of the 'agna' or square in Bandra's villages?

The 'agna' or square was central to the social and cultural life in Bandra’s villages. It was a gathering space for the community to celebrate festivals, host weddings, and hold communal events. These squares played a key role in creating a close-knit community where people could interact with one another.