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India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
Journey Through Mumbai's Unmapped Streets To Find Historical Gems
Mumbai is known as the city of dreams and has skyscrapers, the iconic Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and other landmarks that are loved by everyone. But behind all that, there exists a set of unmapped alleys that tell a story of their own. Not everything is modernized, and these roads are the oldest in Mumbai, and need to be preserved. For a long time, these roads have kept the history, culture, and the citizens' pulse. Lost Alleys of South Mumbai South Mumbai, the city's oldest region, conceals some of the most fascinating untouched alleys. One of these alleys is located behind the very energetic Crawford Market. The din of the market diminishes as you walk deeper into this alley, leaving you with an unexplained stillness. The walls here tell the story of the area, adorned with graffiti and murals of when it was a flourishing center for traders. It further leads to a neglected old Parsi fire temple, which is almost incognito at the entrance among all the surrounding buildings. This majestic temple, which is one of the oldest in the city, showcases the Parsi community's stronghold in Mumbai. Framing the iconic Flora Fountain, another hidden treasure lies in the Fort section. A passage between two colonial structures is what leads to this hidden courtyard. This courtyard is truly untouched and the spaces invite relaxation. The courtyard is surrounded by dilapidated buildings, their rest already covered with sculptures signifying an ancient beauty. It was first inhabited by British officers and Indian merchants. Today, it is a dignified retreat for those who need to escape the hectic pace of life in the city. Magical Alleys of Bhuleshwar Bhuleshwar, is a savory and fragrant neighborhood in Central Mumbai that is an untapped goldmine of alleys showcasing the city's cultural and spiritual roots. At the center of Bhuleshwar lies an alley. While walking down, one can find small shops that sell incense, temple bells, Indian sweets, spices, and religious items. All of which creates a perfume-like fragrance and the soothing sound of temple bells heightens the experience. Mumbadevi Temple, which is small compared to other temples, is quite historical and stands at the tail end of this alley. It is believed that the goddess who the temple is dedicated to is the namesake of the city from which Mumbai derived its name from. Another alley leading in the opposite direction gives access to the Walkeshwar Temple. It's a majestic temple that is married intimately with nature having burnt down our banyan trees growing around it. This temple is a 'must visit' for anyone who adores Turbo and is dedicated to the Enlightened God known as Shiva and is believed to have been erected in the twelfth century AD by the Silhara dynasty for their love of nature. Stand grateful as the nature further nourishes Walkeshwar Temple with serenity as they burn with compassion the alley leading to it makes you fall in love with Mumbai with each step. Alleys of Girgaum Girgaum is one of the oldest parts of Mumbai. It is heavily uncharted so it is quite easy to get lost, but what you see makes the exploration worth it. One of the alleys is quite literally home to 'wadas' or traditional houses that are even more majestic from the inside. These walls are built in a traditional style and were owned by affluent Marathi families in the past. This style of architecture is slowly changing due to the conversion of these houses into small shops and cafes, but these places still capture the hearts of those who see them. One more alley goes to the renowned Kalbadevi Temple which is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Although the temple is not large, it is very famous and quite crowded on special days of the year. On the way to the temple, you pass one of the most beautiful and full of life alleys as people burst into devotional songs, children make colourful rangoli and you smell delicious prasad being served. Secret Alcoves Located in South Mumbai is Mazgaon, a neighbourhood with some of the most breathtaking alleys in the city. These alleys stand out in comparison to the wider parts of the city as they are vibrant and often peaceful. One such maze stretches out into the old Portuguese houses whose richly coloured pastel walls clash beautifully with the more modern buildings around. Their construction dates back to the 1600s and acts as a symbol for the colonial times. At times, the maze leads to a quaint chapel, which feels as if it has been pulled from a story book, and sits peacefully with beautifully crafted walls and stained glass windows. Yet another alley leads to the rustically named Dockyard Road, which used to be a commercialised region of shipbuilders and international traders. With time, it transformed into a more quiet region where vividly colourful alleyways are scattered across. Abandoned big sturdy wooden warehouses with rusty gates and decaying walls serve as a reminder to the city's port history. Heart of Mumbai The essence of Mumbai beats through these municipal lanes. Walking through them feels as if you have ventured into a magical land where the soul of the city thrives, waiting to be uncovered. These lanes remind us of Mumbai's culture, in a city that is 'in progress' all the time. They stand as proof for how Mumbai, and its citizens, have succeeded in maintaining their history, despite sweeping developments. Hence, when you are in Mumbai the next time, go a little off track, and investigate some of these unmapped paths. There's a chance you might find a tale that is unexplored and is looking for its narrator.
India.com
26-05-2025
- General
- India.com
The Forgotten Stepwells Of Mumbai – 7 Hidden Gems From The Past
The vibrant financial metropolis of India known as Mumbai contains beneath its skyscraper-studded present an architectural mystery. Historical stepwells exist throughout the city although few people remember these structures since they served as essential water reservoirs and social meeting places in the past. The stepwells exist undisturbed throughout Mumbai's chaotic development to share the historical and cultural significance which defines the city. What Are Stepwells? Traditional Indian water-harvesting infrastructure known as stepwells features a stairway design which allows people to descend to the water level near the ground. These architectural marvels were made to provide both consistent water access during drought periods and heat protection for people. Stepwells functioned on dual levels since they provided water storage with which people could socialize as well as rest along with practicing rituals. Stepwells are usually linked to states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan but Mumbai holds its own collection of these concealed landmarks. Many stepwells hide beneath new concrete constructions while being blocked by unlawful encroachments due to urban development at a quick pace together with abandonment. Historical Significance of Mumbai's Stepwells Centuries ago Mumbai witnessed the establishment of stepwells that builders constructed throughout the rule of various dynastic rulers including those of the Maratha Empire and during the Portuguese period. The ancient engineers designed these sustainable water management systems which demonstrated their advanced understanding of sustainable water management before this topic became a main global issue. Mumbai (which was known as Bombay during the pre-colonial period) consisted of multiple islands until then so stepwells delivered essential water supply to the local social groups. The region turned to British colonial settlement through time and British water supply advancements displaced the traditional water structures to historical obscurity. The Western Indian heritage site known as the Banganga Tank is situated within Walkeshwar in South Mumbai. The ancient tank complex features step-like structures although it is technically not designated as a stepwell and maintains its status as one of Mumbai's oldest water structures in existence. The Hindu pilgrimage spot known as Banganga was constructed in 1127 AD by the Silhara dynasty through remains sacred to devotees who still travel to the site for worship. Umarkhadi Baoli stands as another hidden treasure which can be found adjacent to Crawford Market. The Mughal period era brought to life this stepwell which stands tall with its characteristic carvings and stone decorations from that time. The structure now exists in a condition of decay because surrounding buildings cover it and it is filled with discarded waste. Architectural Marvels Lost in Time Stepwells in Mumbai combine utilitarian design with exceptional artistic qualities in their architecture. Locally obtained stone materials formed the foundation of these structures which exhibit symmetrical arrangements of ornate carving work with geometric patterns. The descending staircases which run alongside arches at each floor produce an impressive effect that transcends practical utility. At Vihar Lake Stepwell near Powai viewers can find an elegant design that incorporates simple elements. The British colonial period builders constructed this stepwell which belonged to a water resource management project for the expanding population. Her broken-up remains continue to show the impressive engineering skills practitioners employed during that period even though they lost their purpose. The Ambarnath Temple Complex in Kalyan remains outside modern Mumbai but contains a fancy step well that demands recognition. Built during the 11th century this historical stepwell showcased unity between functional design and Hindu temple architecture because it contained statues representing deities and mythological figures. Challenges Facing Mumbai's Stepwells Today Despite their rich heritage and cultural value many stepwells located in Mumbai experience multiple survival challenges. Stepwells in Mumbai face the dangers of development-based encroachment combined with environmental pollution as well as destructive structural issues. Stepwells suffer from double neglect because some of them serve as landfills yet others exist in neglected states covered by plant life. A lack of awareness about these structures exacerbates the problem. Stepwells in Mumbai fail to attract preservation efforts at the level observed for iconic landmarks that include the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The poor awareness about these architectural masterpieces among locals extends to their continued deterioration. There has only been occasional and minimal progress toward the revival and restoration of these stepwells. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) occasionally raises conservation awareness through systematic barriers that continue to affect the situation. The lack of funding combined with administrative barriers along with multiple organizational demands slows down improvement efforts. Rediscovering Mumbai's Stepwells People have increasingly shown interest during recent times in finding and bringing back Mumbai's lost stepwells. The restoration of obscured architectural elements occurred through local group-led heritage walks and social media popularity campaigns which led to these structures re-emerging in public awareness. The guided tours organized by 'Heritage Walks Mumbai' introduce participants to stepwells along with other lesser-known monuments thus helping people appreciate the architectural heritage of Mumbai. These hidden gems received increased attention when documentaries and articles started focusing on them as their awareness value rose. The documentary 'Baoli: The Forgotten Wells' takes viewers through the historical development along with the current state of stepwells spread across Maharashtra so people today can understand their value in modern society. Some architectural experts together with historians pledge for the incorporation of stepwells into contemporary urban design efforts. These experts maintain that cities should transform defunct stepwell structures into sustainable water solutions which will protect cultural heritage and assist with water scarcity and climate change. Summary Stepwells that Mumbai has lost are deeper than mere antiquities because they contain traditions from multiple centuries alongside personal and societal endurance principles. These landmarks represent environmentally-friendly life practices which offer practical guidance for handling environmental difficulties of our current times. These architectural masterpieces face complete disappearance because of the lack of focused efforts to protect them. Government bodies alongside conservationists and Mumbai citizens must join forces in order to revive these forgotten historical features. The implementation of supportive policies with heightened public understanding will create opportunities to restore stepwells into Mumbai's urban environment. The city of Mumbai will rediscover its cultural heritage while sustaining the ancient legacy of its past by embracing these undiscovered historical sites.
