The mere mention of
South Mumbai brings to mind a whirlwind of emotions and images. For some of us
it’s the heritage area with the iconic Taj Palace, for many others it’s the
ultimate destination for a romantic evening at Marine Drive. British period
cafes, architecture and fashion are some other strong associations that people
have with South Mumbai. But there’s much more to this historic territory. Here’s
an eulogy of its legacy.
‘TOWN’
has embraced a very special heritage since decades, ‘THE ASIATIC SOCIETY’,
which is a public state library. The collection contains many old and rare
books, otherwise unavailable, or scarcely available, including books printed in
India during the British regime. Ranging from the latter half of the fifteenth
century A.D, it has over 47,000 ancient manuscripts in 26 scripts. Its
importance lies not in numerical strength but in its rich and unique contents.
The collection covers wide range of subjects, e.g. Science, Medical Science,
Arts & Literature etc. which is used by readers and professionals from
across the country and abroad.
The city is rightly called the ‘Financial
Capital’ of India with presence of BSE and NSE. Being an abode to trade, most
of the reputed ones like Air India, RBI, the High Court, Mantralaya, TOI and
plentiful embark their presence here.
Nariman Point is Mumbai's prominent business district situated on a land
reclaimed from the sea. Very axiomatically it could be stated how one quarter
of the City’s population finds employment here. But the tale doesn’t end here.
Malabar Hills at the northern promontory of
Back Bay, an extremely up market residential neighbourhood is home to Sahyadri
Government Guest house apart from the embassies of Poland, Egypt, Afghanistan
and Russia. Surprisingly, one of Mumbai’s most holy and tranquil wellspring
lies masked amongst apartment blocks at its southern tip i.e. Banganga Tank,
which is an arcade of placid temples, bathing pilgrims, and scenic old dharamsalas.
Well, you have not visited Mumbai, if your
eyes haven’t enjoyed the picturesque of Chowpatty or graceful arc of Marine
Drive. Your trip is not worth if you have failed to witness the city’s most
busy yet beautiful Churchgate station or the Victoria standing atop the CST holding
her right hand up in the air. Its not only the architecture of SoBo but also
its diversity in food which ranges from celebrated kebab corners to authentic
south Indian to delectable Arabian dishes, which will sure leave an
irresistible effect on your taste glands. You can never find sombre in ‘Town’.
