Bhendy Bazaar

Circa 1890s

Albumen print mounted on card

7.5 x 9.25 in   |  19 x 23.5 cm

The history of this thriving city Bombay (Mumbai) and Bhendi Bazaar are intertwined. One of the tales that go into crafting the epic saga of Mumbai becoming India's financial centre is the Tale of Bhendi Bazaar. Bhendi Bazaar was originally built as a part of the inner-city neighbourhoods created to meet the housing requirements of the labour force supporting trade and commerce activities in the harbour of Old Bombay, as Mumbai was then known. The Crawford market place was close by, which increased traders' interest in relocating there.

Behind the Bazaar (Crawford Market) was pronounced Bhendi Bazaar in popular speech. Due to its advantageous position, businesspeople from many communities - including Dawoodi Bohra, Memons, Gujaratis, Sindhis, Parsis, and Katchis moved into Bhendi bazaar and began selling everything from hardware and foam to clothing and antiques. To buy and exchange valuable products, people from all over the city flocked to Bhendi Bazaar and the neighbouring local markets, notably the Chor Bazaar (a monthly flea market).

In Bhendi Bazaar, homes were constructed in a chawl or dormitory style. They were made to fit single males who relocated to the coastal city in search of employment. Over time, entire families began relocating to these chawls. A separate culture has developed as a result of forced intimacy as a result of practically sharing each other's lives. In these communities, the bonds of friendship, family, and love for Bombay forge enduring emotional memories.

This work will be shipped mounted

NON-EXPORTABLE

This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition of each book.