Sketch of Crawford Market In 19th Century Bombay, 1874 Print

Sketch of Crawford Market In 19th Century Bombay, 1874 Print

A rare 1874 print of a sketch of the Crawford Market in 19th Century Bombay (Mumbai). The market at that time was named in honour of retired municipal commissioner, Arthur Crawford. Arthur had initiated the creation of the market building. Now known as the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market.

However, it is still popularly remembered as “Crawford Market”. The structure was designed by British architect, William Emerson, and was an excellent example of British architecture in Bombay. Emerson had also designed the beautiful Fountain too, situated in the outer courtyard. Its decorative panels were designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of the famous author Rudyard Kipling.

The 128 feet high clock tower, like a silent sentinel, was at one time visible from a far distance. Noticeable in the sketch is that there are no tram tracks on the street. Perhaps the sketch was drawn even before the trams appeared in the city. Making this one of the earliest images of Crawford Market. Reading the date on the print viz Nov 27, 1874, which was just three years after the Market was built.

Also read The Rejected Crawford Market Fountain in Tardeo, Mumbai. See post Crawford Market British Era Bombay, 1905 Photo.

Did you know-  the structure has a 15-meter high awning allowing sunlight to stream inside.

From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper Two Women (#4).,  Raja Ravi Varma’s “Laxmi” Oleograph c1910., Vintage Book 1967 – Kerala A Portrait Of The Malabar Coast