Five Aerial Views Of Bombay During British Era, 5 Photos 1930

Five Aerial Views Of Bombay During British Era, 5 Photos 1930

Five photographs taken in 1930 capture stunning aerial views of Bombay (now Mumbai) during the British era. These historic images offer a unique glimpse into the city’s colonial past. The first photo presents an impressive aerial view of Flora Fountain, the Esplanade, and Hornby Roads, now known as Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G. Road) and Dadabhai Naoroji Road. These images not only document the city’s iconic landmarks but also preserve a fascinating visual record of Bombay’s urban landscape during the British Raj.

The photograph reveals a serene Bombay landscape of 1930—free from high-rises and the constant rush of modern-day traffic. The second image captures the intersection near the Prince of Wales Museum, identifiable by its distinctive bulbous dome. The road in the foreground leads directly to the Colaba Causeway, while the route to the right passes through the historic Fort area before reaching the Bombay Docks and other bustling colonial-era hubs.

The fifth photograph likely depicts South Bombay and the Colaba district, with the Back Bay in the foreground and Marine Drive still in its undeveloped state. Scattered across the scene are the tall chimneys of the once-thriving cotton mills. The third image focuses on the Mahalaxmi area, prominently featuring its iconic racecourse, with a railway yard visible in the foreground. The fourth photograph is believed to be of the Bandra area, though not with complete certainty, where a few buildings can be faintly made out in the distance.

Did you know – that the main source of revenue of Bombay in the 19th century was from the forest and agricultural produce of then densely wooded land. 

From the collection – 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#8)., Bombay Coastline With Taj Mahal Hotel, 3 PCs 1906., Nizam Of Hyderabad Asaf Jah VI, 1889 Print., Vintage South Indian Railway Promotional Postcard 1900.