Bungalow In Malabar Hill British Era Bombay, 1895 Photo
An 1895 photo of a bungalow in Malabar Hill during British era Bombay (Mumbai). The beautiful bungalow is amid clusters of shady tropical trees, which once were a common sight in Bombay. The dwelling is probably of the Indo-Portuguese or southern Indian style construction. With wide verandahs and a tiled roof that blocks the harshness of tropical weather.
Before Bombay was unified into a single landmass, Malabar lay on the ‘H’ shape of the Bombay Island (one of the seven islands). A virgin forested area with wildlife of jackals, bears, leopards, and so on roaming around the densely wooded area. In addition, pirates from the Malabar coast (Kerala) made it their perfect hideout on the Hill. It is believed that is how the place got its name.
Originally the seven islands were under Portuguese control. But later ceding it to Britain under a dowry arrangement by the Portuguese King. Since King Charles II of England married Catherine of Braganza of Portugal in 1661. After the islands were unified Malabar Point became the final location of the British Government House in 1883. Followed by many European homes that sprung up there, just like the one seen in this photo.
See post Antique Map of Salsette Mumbai 1893.
Did you know- in Portuguese times the islands of Bombay had dense coconut plantations side by side in what was once thick jungle.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Birth of Shakuntala” Oleograph 1894., Old Postcard – Trivandrum Canal Landing Place 1900., Old Photo – Bombay Docks / Port 1916., Our Journey Around The World – 1894 Book
