19th Century Bandora, Now Bandra In Colonial Bombay, 1882 Print
A newspaper clipping from 1882 with a view of 19th-century Bandora, now known as Bandra in colonial Bombay (Mumbai). Bandra was formerly known by various names, Bandor, Bandera, Bandura, Bandara, or Bandora. This was because of the Portuguese influence that stuck until the late 19th century.
The place was a cluster of tiny villages populated by its original inhabitants, the Kolis, Bhandaris, and Sutars. The lushly wooded Bandra appears serenely beautiful in this rare engraving. It was part of Salsette Island, which was then under Portuguese control until 1779. Salsette is now known as North Mumbai. The name was probably derived from Bander or monkey, which inhabited the place.
The British then anglicized it to Bandra. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to acquire the seven islands of Bombay, along with Salsette, in 1534. However, in 1661, they ceded the seven islands to the English King Charles II as dowry when he married Catharine of Braganza. Though the Portuguese retained Salsette, but eventually surrendered it to the British in 1779. There were many Portuguese churches, and St Andrews was one of the earliest, dating to 1575. Bandra has two hills, particularly Mount Mary and Pali Hills. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know- it has a Fort Castella de Aguada, better known as Bandra Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1640.
From the collection- Vintage Photo Colaba Coast 1890., Vintage Postcard + FDC Prongs Lighthouse Mumbai., Vintage Print Madras of Buckingham Canal 1922., Antique Painting of Madras Fort St George., Book Everyday Life In India By Rowe
