Descriptio
Nova Imperii Malabar, Canara, Decan et Aliarum Provinciarum
Maker
Churchill
/ Baldaeus
Year
1744
Description
Antique map
( copper engraving) of the Malabar Coast. This map was
published in 'The True and Exact Description of the Most Celebrated
East - India Coast of Malabar and Choromandel as also of the
Island of Ceylon' by Philip Baldaeus (first printed in 1672), part of 'A
Collection of Voyages and Travels, some now first printed from
original manuscripts others now first printed in English',
printed in 1744 for Henry Lintot and John Osborn.
Location/Subject
Antique
maps of Asia / Malabar /Bombaim/
India
Title: Antique Map of Malabar,Coromandel and Ceylon 'Peninsula Indiae citra Gangem..... Author: Homann Heirs PlaceAndYear: Nuremberg,1733
1750: Old Map of Bombay shows forts at Bandura (Bandra), Mayen (Mahim), Mazagoem (Mazgaon), Cayman (Sion) & Bombay Fort
my opinion:- about name BANDURA MEANS BIG HARBOUR=(Van Thura) in malayalam language -at that time malabar pirates from kerala were in charge of this area including Malabar hills
Valiyathura (van thura)is a former port and fishing village near Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, India. The name Valiyathura means "Big Port" in the local language. The area was once the only port on the South Kerala coast and was a major port in South India.
18 Feb 2011 — Image result for mahim bay 1600. 1526 -Bombay--naval fight between Gujerat sultan's fleet and Portuguese navy from Colaba via Sion to Bandra.
1526 -Bombay--
naval fight between Gujerat sultan's fleet
and Portuguese navyfrom Colaba via Sion to Bandra
On leaving Chaul for Diu, 'on the day after Shrove Tuesday,' Sampayo came unexpectedly on the Cambay fleet in Bombay harbour. After a furious cannonade the Portuguese boarded the enemy and Alishah fled hoping to escape by the Mahim creek. But the Portuguese had stationed boats at Bandra, and all Alishah's vessels but seven were taken. Of the seventy-three prizes thirty-three were fit for work and were kept; the rest were burned. Besides the vessels many prisoners were made, and much artillery and abundance of ammunition were taken.[Feria in Kerr's Voyages, VI. 209, 210. This summary of Faria's account of the battle of Bombay seems to differ in some particulars from the account in De Barros.' Asia (Decada, IV. Part I. 208-210,Lisbon Ed. of 1777). According to De Barros the Portuguese caught sight of the Gujarat fleet off a promontory. As Sylyeira drew near, the Gujrat fleet retired behind the promontory, and he sent some ships to guard the mouth of the river. When Sylveira drew near, the Gujarat ships set sail and ran into the river, and when they found that the mouth of the river was occupied, they tried to reach Mahim fort, but, before they reached Mahim, they were surrounded and captured by the Portuguese boats which had been sent to, guard the mouth of the creek. This account is not altogether clear. Apparently what happened was that when the Gujrat boats saw the Portuguese, they drew back from the Prongs Point into the Bombay harbour, and when the Portuguese fleet attacked them, they fled up the harbour to the mouth of the river (that is the Bombay harbour or east mouth of the Mahim creek) not daring to try their fortune is the open sea.' The Portuguese captain learned from his local pilots that the Gujarat fleet probably meant to retreat through the Bandra creek, and accordingly sent boats to guard its mouth. The Gujarat fleet entered the creek by Sion, and, on nearing Mahim, saw the Portuguese boats blocking the entrance of the creek. To avoid them they made for the Musalman fort of Mahim, at the south end of the present Bandra causeway, but the Portuguese saw their object and coming up the creek cut them off, De Barros' account has been supposed ('Lateen' in Times of India, 21st April 1882) to favour the view that the fight was not in the harbour, but in the open sea off Malabar point. To this view the objection are, that when the Gujarat fleet retired behind Colaba point on catching sight of the Portuguese, they must have gone into Back Bay a dangerous and unlikely movement. That if they came out again to fight, they must have seen the Portuguese boats being sent on to Bandra, and that when, in their flight, the Gujarat fleet found the mouth of the Bandra creek blocked, they could not have attempted to take shelter in Mahim. the attempt to take shelter in Mahim, when the mouth of the creek was found to be blocked, shows that the Gujarat fleet was leaving not entering the Bandra or Mahim river.]
... a view
from above of the seven islands which initially made up the settlement
of Bombay (now Mumbai), together with Salsette Island.
Bombaja Fort, Bombay, 1700
BOMBAJA FORT(BOMBAY) 1700
"Bombaia, in the realm of Visiapour": a view from 1703
BOMBAIA (BOMBAY)-16TH CENTURY MAP
VIEW OF BOMBAY FORT AND HARBOUR1702 Another painting of Bombay fort under East India company-1700'S
"India Orientalis cum Adjacentibus Insulis Nova Delineatione ob ocolos posita"
Copper engraving map by Matthaeus Seutter. Published in Augsburg 1735.
Posted on: 6 August 2016
View of Bombay, from Malabar Hills, with the Island of Caranjah and part of the Indian Continent in the distance - 1813
Plate twenty-two from the first volume of James Forbes'"Oriental Memoirs". Forbes(1749-1819)had arrived in Bombay in 1766 and spent eighteen years of his working-life in this region. Referring to the plate, Forbes(1749--1814)wrote,'This view contains the fortified town, and harbour of Bombay, connected with Colaba, or Old Woman's Island; beyond the harbour and shipping are the Island of Caranjah, and the high land on the continent. The nearer landscape represents the country at Bombay, consisting chiefly of Cocoanut woods and rice-fields, interspersed with English villas and plantations. Those in this engraving are the Retreat and Tankaville, on the borders of a tank of fresh water, near Malabar Hill; on which is seen one of the Parsee tombs, or large open sepulchres, where the corpses are exposed, to be consumed by vultures and other birds of Prey.'
View of Bombay, from Malabar Hills, with the Island of Caranjah and part of the Indian Continent in the Distance
View from Belmont. Looking out over Bombay Harbour towards Cross Island
View from Belmont. Looking out over Bombay Harbour towards Cross Island
Image description
Bombay Views: Twelve Views Of The Island Of Bombay And Its Vicinity Taken In The Years 1791 and 1792. Author: Wales, James / Illustrator: Wales, James London, R. Cribb, 1804 Language: English Source/Shelfmark: X 436, plate 8
Photo credit
From the British Library archive / Bridgeman Images
Figure 1. The Esplanade, Bombay 1857. Please click on this image and later ones for larger images. Bombay - The Esplanade and Colaba in the distance. March 1870 (from the top of Watson's Hotel).--Artist: Lester, John Frederick (1825-1915)-Date: 1871
Marine Battalion, Esplanade. Lithograph of the Marine Battalion at the Esplanade by Jose M. Gonsalves (fl. 1826-c.1842). Plate 4 from his 'Lithographic Views of Bombay' published in Bombay in 1826. Gonsalves, thought to be of Goan origin, was one of the first artists to practice lithography in Bombay and specialised in topographical views of the city. In 1772, the English feared an attack on Bombay by the French and cleared a semi-circular area of land around the fort to provide a clear line of fire. This area was known as the Esplanade. In the southern section of this area, there was a parade ground known as Marine Lines. This view shows a battalion soldiers on parade with military bungalows in the background
Bombay
Esplanade from our(soldier's) Tents. March 1870'.
History:
Malabar Hill (Walkeshwar) has a long and rich history associated with it. The first records of the region are almost a thousand years old, and the one of the earliest name associated with it was Walkeshwar as mentioned in the book Walkeshwar Mahatmya, a centuries old Sanskrit text which narrates the story of Lord Rama and Walkeshwar Temple, and later in an account of John Burnell, an English ensign and observer of early 18th century Cahara Dynasty ruled the islands, today known as Mumbai, and parts of Konkan from 9th Century till early 13th Century C.E. Dr. John Fryer, a British surgeon who visited India in 1670s, was perhaps the first one to refer to this rocky hillock as Malabar Point.   Malabar Hill has two interesting stories narrating the origin of its name. It has been stated that there used to be a Keya family, who came as traders and merchants, which owned a large part of this area and played an influential role in Mumbai’s trade with the Portuguese, French and the English. The Keya family originally hailed from North Malabar (part of today’s Kerala) and hence the location came to be called as ‘Malabar’
Hill due to Keya family’s origins from Malabar Coast. The family eventually transferred a large parcel of this land to the English East India Company. The other narration is that this area often witnessed the attacks of pirates from Malabar Coast due to which it came to be named as ‘Malabar’.   The area of Malabar Hill is known today for being associated with the elites of Mumbai, housing the rich and powerful. However, the area which is today associated for housing the elites used to be a jungle till the early 19th century with sightings of hyenas and jackals being common. It was only the south-western part which was partially inhabited, as it had Hindu temples and Banganga water tank; and at the northern end had a Parsi cemetery which had been set-up sometime in the 17th century. So, what transformed this location from being a jungle to a prominent residential address?
It is reported that the Duke of Wellington stayed in Malabar Hill when he was in Bombay; and that there was a consideration for occupying the region for official residences in 1830s by the English. However, the shift of elites to Malabar Hill took place in the second half of the 19th century after the walls of the Bombay (Mumbai) Fort were torn down. The shifting of the official residence of Bombay (Mumbai) Governor to Malabar Hill in the mid-1880s was the turning point. Governor felt that his official residence, earlier located in Parel, was not appropriate considering the rise of diseases like Cholera, due to which the Governor lost his wife, and the rapidly developing slum in the vicinity. Hence, Sir J. Fergusson, then Bombay Governor, is reported to have taken this decision to shift to Malabar Hill as it would provide the Governor isolation, privacy and at the same time the location was of strategic importance too.
The development of the Governor’s Bungalow, now called Raj Bhavan, and the surrounding residential area for the elites is inter-linked. After the shift of the official residence of Governor to Malabar Hill and the move by influential bureaucrats nearby as that would make work more convenient; the elites flocked to the region as it became associated with authority and influence. With Fort area becoming the commercial hub, Malabar Hill came to be associated as the residential part of the city housing the rich and the powerf
Long before Mumbai came under the control of British, it was ruled by various kings, sultans and Europeans such as the Portuguese, but none of them ever thought of merging the islands of Mumbai together and form a united city. They might have thought of it, but due to the political instability and lack of funds at that time, it could not have been possible. However clever Englishmen must have hatched this plan since the city came under their control, and because of that only they must have arranged the marriage of their king to the Portuguese princess.
The Hornby Vellard, completed in 1784, is said to have given shape to the modern city of Mumbai. Photograph: Alamy
A map of Bombay as it was before the reclamations began. Illustration: Alamy
HORNBY VELLARD
Bombay Harbor with guns from Apollo Bunder.--Photographer: Unknown Medium: Photographic print Date: 1855
A
photograph of a view of Bombay Harbour from Appolo Bundar from the
'Vibart Collection of Views in South India' taken by an unknown
photographer about 1855.The East India Company’s navy was founded at the
beginning of the 18th Century to protect shipping against
pirates and the maritime Mahratta states. Ships were built in Britain
and locally and eventually the fleet was sufficiently powerful to be
able to go into action anywhere between the Red Sea and China.
Marine Battalion, Esplanade.-BOMBAY-Artist: Gonsalves, Jose M. (fl. 1826-c.1842) Medium: Lithograph Date: 1826
Lithograph
of the Marine Battalion at the Esplanade by Jose M. Gonsalves (fl.
1826-c.1842). Plate 4 from his 'Lithographic Views of Bombay' published
in Bombay in 1826. Gonsalves, thought to be of Goan origin, was one of
the first artists to practice lithography in Bombay and specialised in
topographical views of the city. In 1772, the English feared an attack
on Bombay by the French and cleared a semi-circular area of land around
the fort to provide a clear line of fire. This area was known as the
Esplanade. In the southern section of this area, there was a parade
ground known as Marine Lines. This view shows a battalion soldiers on
parade with military bungalows in the background.
BOMBAY-Back Bay in 1861.-Photographer: Johnson, William Medium: Photographic print Date: 1861
Photograph taken by William Johnson in 1861, of Back Bay in Bombay
(Mumbai), Maharashtra, from an album of 40 albumen prints taken in the
1860s. The busy port and industrial hub of Bombay is the capital of
Maharashtra. During British rule, it was the administrative capital of
the Bombay Presidency. Extending over a peninsula into the Arabian Sea
on the west coast of India, Bombay prospered with maritime trade and
became the chief commercial centre of the Arabian Sea. Originally a
collection of fishing villages of the Koli community built on seven
islands, Bombay was by the 14th century controlled by the Gujarat
Sultanate who ceded it to the Portuguese in the 16th century. In 1661 it
was part of the dowry brought to Charles II of England when he married
the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza. In the 19th century,
Bombay burgeoned with economic activity and grew huge. Land reclamation
along Back Bay provided for further development. Back Bay is located at
the southeast tip of Bombay, near the fort and central district. In
this view local craft are beached in the foreground.
Aquatinter: Clark, J. (fl.1789-1834)
Medium: Aquatint, coloured
Date: 1813
Coloured aquatint of the Fleet under Convoy of H. M.'s Ship 'Chiffone'
Captain Wainwright leaving Bombay in Maharashtra by J. Clark
(fl.1789-1834) after an original drawing of September 14th 1809 by
Robert Temple (fl.early 1800) of the H. M. 65th Regiment and published
in London in 1813.
In 1674, Bombay replaced Surat as the headquarters of the English East
Company in India. The esplanade, seen in the foreground of this view,
provided a clear range of fire from the fort and was added in the 1770s
to protect the city from the French.
Back Bay, Bombay.--Photographer: Johnson and Henderson Medium: Photographic print Date: 1855
A photograph of the Back Bay in Bombay from the 'Vibart Collection of
Views in South India' taken by Johnson & Henderson about 1855.
Originally, Bombay was composed of seven islands separated by a marshy
swamp. It’s deep natural harbour led the Portuguese settlers of the 16th
Century to call it Bom Bahia (the Good Bay). The British Crown
acquired the islands in 1661when Catherine of Braganza married Charles
II, as part of her marriage dowry. It was then presented to the East
India Company in 1668. The second governor, Gerald Aungier, developed
Bombay into a trading port and centre for commerce and inducements were
offered to skilled workers and traders to move here. Back Bay is
located on the southeast tip of the island near the fort, the central
business district and the area known as Colaba.The Back Bay Reclamation
Project was originally proposed in 1865, started in 1913, sidelined by
government regulations until 1922, abandoned in 1930, proposed again
in 1950 and finally completed in 1970.
Bombay Green of 1862.
Thana
Fort on the Island of Salsette seen from the Esplanade. Camels and
European figures in the foreground Artist: Heen, A. van der (fl. 1782)
Medium: Wash Date: 1752
Wash drawing by A. van der Heen (fl. 1782) of Thana Fort on the Island
of Salsette near Bombay in Maharashtra, seen from the Esplanade, with
camels and European figures in the foreground, dated 1782. The image is
inscribed on the back in ink: 'Tanah fort taken from the Esplanade. A.
van der Heen fecit, 1782.'
View Of Bombay, From Mazagon Hill.--Artist: Gonsalves, Jose M. (fl. 1826--c. 1842) Medium: Lithograph, coloured Date: 1833
Mazagon hill was an outlying suburb of Bombay and became a fashionable
place to live in the 18th century. Bungalows and plantation houses were
built by the British and more affluent Indians moving out of the
crowded fort area. During the 19th century, Mazagon experienced a
decline as residents moved into the fashionable Bycullah area nearby.
The docks were reclaimed towards the end of the century and Mazagon was
left landlocked; eventually the fumes from the developing mills drove
out any remaining affluent residents.
Hill Fort, Poorandhur--Artist: Nash, Alexander (fl. 1834-1846) Medium: Pencil on paper Date: 1844
Pencil drawing of Purandhar Fort by Alexander Nash (fl. 1834-1846) between 1844 and 1845
View from Sion Fort --Artist: Wales, James (1747-1795) Medium: Etching, coloured Date: 1800
From the vantage of Sion fort, the view opens out to the island of
Mahim, which was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century. In the
1670s the convent of Our Lady of Salvation was built on the island, and
a Franciscan church constructed in what is now Dadar. In the 17th
century, the Englishman John Fryer wrote of a customs house and a guard
house on the island.
Street scene in the Fort area, Bombay.--Photographer: Bourne and Shepherd Medium: Photographic print Date: 1870
This view is of a street composed of western Indian wooden architecture in a thriving bazaar[INSIDE FORT BOMBAY1860]
View from the Esplanade of Fort George Bombay towards Mazagon'--Date: 1828
Artist: Miller, William (1795-1836) Medium: Wash
showing the view from Fort George in Bombay towards Mazagaon by William
Miller (1795-1836) c.1828. Inscribed on reverse: 'View from the
Esplenade of Fort George Bombay towards Mazagon'.
Part of the Fort and fort wall, Bombay, 1863.--Photographer: Unknown Medium: Photographic print Date: 1863
Photograph taken shortly before the demolition of the rampart and moat
of the Fort in Bombay (Mumbai), Maharashtra, by an unknown photographer,
from an album of 40 prints of the 1860s. The busy port and industrial
hub of Bombay is the capital of Maharashtra. During British rule, it
was the administrative capital of the Bombay Presidency. Extending over
a peninsula into the Arabian Sea on the west coast of India, Bombay
prospered with maritime trade and became the chief commercial centre of
the Arabian Sea. Originally a collection of fishing villages of the
Koli communitybuilt on seven islands, Bombay was by the 14th century
controlled by the Gujarat Sultanate who ceded it to the Portuguese in
the 16th century. In 1661 it passed to the English as part of the dowry
brought to Charles II by the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza.
The British built up fortifications around Bombay harbour in the 17th
century around the original Portuguese settlement. In the 1760s the
fortifications were enhanced as the British were engaged in war with
France in both Europe and India. By the 19th century the British had
established control over India and the fort walls were torn down and the
area converted into the central district of Bombay city.
Part of the Fort, Bombay in 1864.--Photographer: Unknown Medium: Photographic print Date: 1864
Photograph with a view looking towards a street of private houses at the
Fort perimeter, after the removal of the ramparts, in Bombay (Mumbai),
Maharashtra, taken by an unknown photographer, from an album of 40
prints of the 1860s. The busy port and industrial hub of Bombay is the
capital of Maharashtra. During British rule, it was the administrative
capital of the Bombay Presidency. Extending over a peninsula into the
Arabian Sea on the west coast of India, Bombay prospered with maritime
trade and became the chief commercial centre of the Arabian Sea.
Originally a collection of fishing villages of the Koli communitybuilt
on seven islands,
Bombay was by the 14th century controlled by the Gujarat Sultanate who
ceded it to the Portuguese in the 16th century. In 1661 it passed to the
English as part of the dowry brought to Charles II by the Portuguese
princess Catherine of Braganza. The British built up fortifications
around Bombay harbour in the 17th century around the original Portuguese
settlement. In the 1760s the fortifications were enhanced as the
British were engaged in war with France in both Europe and India. By the
19th century the British had established control over India and the
fort walls were torn down and the area converted into the central
district of Bombay city.
Street in Bombay Fort.--Date: 1860--Photographer: Unknown
Photograph of a street in the Fort area of Bombay (Mumbai), Maharashtra,
by an unknown photographer, from an album of 40 prints taken in the
1860s. Bombay, one of the key cities of India, is a major port, busy
manufacturing centre and capital of Maharashtra. During British rule, it
was the administrative capital of the Bombay Presidency. It extends
over a peninsula jutting into the Arabian Sea on the west coast of
India. Originally a collection of fishing villages of the Koli community
built on seven islands, Bombay was by the 14th century controlled by
the Gujarat Sultanate who ceded it to the Portuguese in the 16th
century. In 1661 it was part of the dowry brought to Charles II of
England when he married the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza.
The British built up fortifications around Bombay harbour in the 17th
century around the original Portuguese settlement. In the 1760s the
fortifications were enhanced as the British were engaged in war with
France in both Europe and India. By the 19th century the British had
established control over India and the fort walls were torn down and the
area converted into the central district of Bombay city.
The Fort, Bombay, Harbour face wall,- 1863.--Date: 1863--Photographer: Unknown
GUNS POINTING DOWN INTO MOAT
North-west view of the fort of Bombay--Date: 1826--Artist: Westall, william (1781-1850)
This is plate 17 from Robert Melville Grindlay's 'Scenery, Costumes and
Architecture chiefly on the Western Side of India'. Grindlay
(1786-1877) was only 17 when he arrived in India in 1803. He served
with the Bombay Native Infantry from 1804 to 1820 and during this
period made a large collection of sketches and drawings.
Referring to the fort of Bombay, Grindlay wrote: "The fortifications
which were originally commenced by the Portuguese, and subsequently
improved by the English, though very strong particularly towards the
sea, are too extensive, and require a very large garrison. That part
represented in the plate is the north-west extremity, and exhibits a
remarkable accumulation of threatening embrasures, commanding the
approach from the northern part of the island".
By the middle of the 18th century, the fort area had became too
congested and setllements moved outside its walls, with the governor
moving in 1750 to Parel. Much of the area was gutted in the great fire
of 1803, the year Grindlay arrived.
Interior of Fort,--Date: 1855-- Bombay.-[before fort walls removed] Also Notes on the life inside Bombay fort
A
photograph of the interior of the Fort, Bombay from the 'Vibart
Collection of Views in South India' taken by an unknown photographer
about 1855. 'By the end of the 17th century, Bombay had developed into
an important local port. In 1715 Charles Boone became the Governor of
Bombay. He implemented Aungier's plans for the fortification of the
island, and had walls built from Dongri in the north to Mendham's point
in the south. He established a force of Marines and constructed St.
Thomas' Church, within the fort'. In a count made in 1794, it was found
that there were 1000 houses inside the fort walls and 6500 outside. 1841, February 24th. — Bombay street notes:-
"The Fort is now a second Augean stable — heat suffocating. March 24th. —"
We are informed that H. E. has directed that the oval space called
Bombay Green, in the centre of which the statue of the
Marquis Cornwallis now stands, is to be neatly laid out and railed in
as a garden Sir Robert Grant
suggested the planting of all the roadsides with trees. Now un fait accompli, well and truly done." October 12th. —
" The unhealthy position of the Colaba Barracks is now fully
demonstrated." All nonsense. The two Napiers put this all to right. 1849, February 16th. — "
Our nuisances are the barking of pariah dogs at night. Ferocious dogs
attack people at ChurCH Gate at night." I am afraid they are like the
poor, " always with us." 1850, September. —
" Eumour that Elephanta is to be turned into a tavern and ball-room." More nonsense.
The next fond anticipation has been answered by the custodians 1850:- locking
the Elphinstone Garden gates at sundown. " Bombay Green — a swamp in
monsoon and a receptacle of stones and dust in fine weather. Shall we
ever see fond lovers there, sitting under the shade of umbrageous trees "
? November. —
" Children not burned, but buried in the sands of Back Bay." 1851, May. — "The moat round Bombay, 2| miles in length, is now dry from end to end, and was never dry before." 1852, June 18th. — " The Fort is no cleaner nor more savory than it was in your time " (say 1832). 1852, April 11th. — "
A monster petition to the Court of Directors, London, from the
inhabitants of Bombay, against any building being erected on Bombay
Green.Copy sent to every firm or individual in England who knew
Bombay." 1853, November 19th. —
" Saw a corpse strung by four cords jostled through the streets to its shallow hole in the sands of Back Bay." 1854. —
"Hornby Eow is one of the filthiest streets in Bombay." Many letters in the papers on the Main Drain Nuisance. August 19th. —
" The Town Hall is now in a very dirty condition ; the stairway the resort of idle gamblers and so forth. November. — " Corpses floating in harbour after the Great Storm. Public notice to abstain from fish, as was done in 1827 and '37." 1856, September 9th. — " Vehar works in progress." 1857, October 20th. — " Dr. Buist proposes to cover the main
drain." A most earnest and useful man. Who knows if the
seeds of his illness and death were not sown in such foul
surroundings ?
1858, May 15th. — " The sanitary condition of Bombay is a disgrace to us all."
1859, May 17th.— " Ditch fearfully foul."
1860, February 29th. — "From Colaba Church to the light- house the stink might be cut with a knife. " May 3rd. — "A
(THE BLACK DEATH)[PLAGUE DEATH]
Goanese corpse from the Jejeebhoy Hospital was left at Sonapore Churchyard and eaten by vultures and dogs."
Government House, Fort, Bombay--Date: 1826--Artist: Gonsalves, Jose M. (fl. 1826-c.1842)
Lithograph of the Government House in the Fort in Bombay by Jose M.
Gonsalves (fl. 1826-c.1842). Plate 2 from his 'Lithographic Views of
Bombay' published in Bombay in 1826. Gonsalves, thought to be of Goan
origin, was one of the first artists to practice lithography in Bombay
and specialised in topographical views of the city.
This view of the Government House in the fort area of Bombay was taken
from Bombay Green. On the right is the monument to Marquis Cornwallis,
the Governor-General and Commander in Chief in India from 1786 to 1793.
The location of the Government House in Bombay changed several times.
Originally, the Government House was located in Bombay Castle. The
second Government House, shown in this view, was situated in the fort
area on Apollo Street and functioned as the official residence of the
Governor until 1829. The third Government House at Parel had already
been used as a Country retreat for the Governor from 1719. In the 1880s,
the location of the Government House was moved once again to Malabar
Point.
Scene in Bombay--Date: 1826--Artist: Grindlay, Robert Melville (1786-1877)st Thomas cathedral seen
Grindlay explains that in 1811, the Bombay 'Green' was "an irregular
area, surrounded by various public buildings and originally intended for
the Garrison-Parade; but occupied during the dry season by vast piles
of cotton bales, marine stores, and various bulky articles of
merchandise."
Bombay fort' General view of Bombay. Arthur Willmore --Date: 1840
Engraving of a general view of Bombay by Arthur Willmore (1814-88) after
Thomas Allom (1804-1872) and dated c.1840. The area of Bombay was
originally composed of seven islands. In 1661, these islands were
acquired by the British Crown from the Portuguese as part of the
marriage dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II.
From 1668, the East India Company leased the land from the British Crown
and developed the area as a trading port. A manor house of the
Portuguese, situated on Bombay Island, provided a suitable site for the
fort. A custom house, warehouse, quay and fortifications were also
built soon after. In the 18th century, the town surrounding the fort
was developed. This included the contruction a number of public
buildings, the creation of outer fortifications and the clearance of
land surrounding this area. In this view, the flagstaff within this
area is shown. By the 1860s, the need for military defence lessened and
Governor Sir Bartle Frere demolished the fort walls. As a result,
Bombay underwent an ambitious phase of building in the Victorian style.
'View in Basseen Fort'. Captain James Barton's 12 Views of Hill Forts in the Western Ghats near Bombay, London, c.1820.
A TEMPLE NEAR TO PORTUGESE CHURCHES IN THE BASSEIN FORT[VASAI FORT]1820
Coloured
lithograph of a view in Bassein Fort by Rudolph Ackermann (1764-1834)
after Captain James Barton (1793-1829) plate 7 of Barton's 12 Views of
Hill Forts in the Western Ghats near Bombay published in London c.1820.
Bassein (Vasai) is situated at the mouth of the Ulhas River north of
Bombay. In 1534, the Portuguese seized Bassein from Bahadur Shah, the
Sultan of Gujarat, and the town remained in their control for just over
200 years. At the height of its prosperity, Bassein had 5 convents and
13 churches. In 1739, Bassein was taken by the Marathas. In 1802, the
British secured the Treaty of Bassein with Peshwa Baji Rao II, which
allowed British forces to be stationed in Maratha territory.
Sewri Fort, Bombay, looking across to Trombay Island. An officer, probably a self portrait, is shown sketching
Date: 1828--Artist: Miller, William (1795-1836)
Pen
and ink drawing of Sewri Fort in Bombay looking across to Trombay
Island by William Miller (1795-1836) in 1828.The image is inscribed:
'Suree from below the Band hill. Bandalah. W.M. December 1828'.
Sewri
Fort was located on the eastern shore of Parel Island and constructed
in 1770. Parel Island, along with Trombay, was one of seven that
originally made up the area of Bombay. The artist, William Miller, had a
house at Parel. It was located at Vadalla between the towns of Sewri
and Matunga. In this view an officer is shown sketching on the left.
This figure is probably a self portrait of the artist.
Photograph of Kalbadevi, Bombay from 'Views in the island of Bombay' by Charles Scott,1850s. The area of Kalbadevi was named after the shrine dedicated to the goddess Kali in this area. In the 18th and 19th century, Hindu immigrants from Gujarat, Kathiawar, Kutch and Marwar moved to Bombay to escape famine and drought in their homelands and settle in Bombay, where there was economic growth and prosperity. Kalbadevi was one of the areas where they settled. Some of the houses drew inspiration from Gujarat or Rajasthan, the areas where the residents came from. Kalbadevi was also a busy commercial centre with the Gujarati and Marwari Jewellers conducting thei
A view at Calbadavie [Bombay].--Date: 1850--Photographer: Scott, Charles
Cotton stores, Bombay.-Date: 1855-Photographer: Johnson and Henderson
A photograph of a view of a cotton warehouse, Bombay from the 'Vibart
Collection of Views in South India' taken by an unknown photographer
about 1855.Before the mid 19th Century, India used to export cotton to
Britain, and then reimport cloth. The impetus towards the founding of a
cotton industry came from Indian entrepreneurs; the first mill, ‘The
Bombay Spinning Mill’, was opened in 1854 in Bombay by Cowasji Nanabhai
Davar. Opposition from the Lancashire mill owners was eventually offset
by the support of the British manufacturers of textile machinery.
Cotton exports from India took off during the American Civil War, when
supplies from the USA were interrupted.
Bombay, from Malabar Hill-date: 1855--Photographer: Johnson and Henderson
A photograph of a view of Bombay from Malabar Hill from the 'Vibart
Collection of Views in South India' taken by an unknown photographer
about 1855. Originally, Bombay was composed of seven islands separated
by a marshy swamp. It’s deep natural harbour led the Portuguese settlers
of the 16th Century to call it Bom Bahia (the Good Bay). The British
Crown acquired the islands in 1661when Catherine of Braganza married
Charles II, as part of her marriage dowry. It was then presented to the
East India Company in 1668. The second governor, Gerald Aungier,
developed Bombay into a trading port and centre for commerce and
inducements were offered to skilled workers and traders to move here.
please note:- The second governor, Gerald Aungier, developed Bombay into
a trading port and centre for commerce and inducements were offered to
skilled workers and traders to move here.
BOMBAY-1850-MALABAR HILL -Photographer: Scott, Charles
Photograph looking at the eastern part of Malabar Hill, Bombay from
'Views in the island of Bombay' by Charles Scott,1850s. Malabar Hill,
the highest point in Bombay, is where the Silhara Kings (r.810-1260)
founded the original Walkeshwar Temple. The temple was destroyed by the
Portuguese and rebuilt in 1715 by Rama Kamath. By 1860, the temple
attracted many people and there were 10 to 20 other temples around it
and 50 dharamshalas. Fairs were held near the temple.
Mountstuart Elphinstone built the first Bungalow in Malabar Hill during
his governorship from 1818 to 1827. After this many more people built
houses here and the area became a posh locality which it still remains.
WILD ANIMALS INCLUDING TIGERS WERE REPORTED ON MALABAR HILL 1850
. Malabar Hill was named so in the early days of British rule as it
housed a military battery to foil a fleet of pirates operating from
Malabar who would lie in wait to attack commercial vessels.
. The Malabar-Cumbala Hills were tropical forests, which had a good
population of wild animals like snakes, pythons, monkeys and the elusive
tiger.
BASSEN FORT(VASAI FORT) BOMBAY-1780
In 1661, the islands of Bombay passed to the British Crown, when
Charles II married Catherine of Braganza. However, the Portuguese
garrison in Bassein refused to part with the islands of
Salsette, Parel, Worli and Mazagaon.
Proceeding roughly south to north, the seven islands ceded by the Portuguese to the British were
Colaba: whose name is a corruption of the Koliname Kolbhat.
Old Woman's Island: (alternatively, Old Man's Island) a small rock between Colaba and Bombay, whose name is a corruption of the Arabic name Al-Omani, after the deep-sea fishermen who ranged up to the Gulf of Oman.
Bombay:
the main harbour and the nucleus of the British fort from which the
modern city grew; it stretched from Dongri on the east to Malabar
Hill on the west.
Mazagaon: a Koli settlement to the east of Bombay island was seperated from it by Umarkhadi andPydhonie.
Worli: north of Bombay was seperated from it by the Great Breach, which extended westwards almost to Dongri.
Parel:
North of Mazagaon and called by many other names, including Matunga,
Dharavi and Sion. The original population was predominantly Koli.
Mahim:
to the west of Parel and north of Worli, took its name from the Mahim
river and was the capital of a 13th century kingdom founded by Raja
Bhimdev.
This list does not exhaust all the islands that have merged into the modern city of Bombay. In particular,Salsette, the large northern island which remained under Portuguese control till 1739, is not counted among these seven.
British soldiers captured these islands only in 1665, and a treaty was signed in the manor house on the island of Bombay.
The British East India Company received it from the crown in 1668 for
the sum of 10 pounds a year, payable every September 30. Sir George
Oxenden, then President of the factory in Surat, became the first
Governor of Bombay. The Company immediately set about the task of
opening up the islands by constructing a quay and warehouses. A customs
house was also built. Fortifications were made around the manor house,
now renamed Bombay Castle. A Judge-Advocate was appointed for the
purpose of civil administration. Sir George died in 1669.
Gerald Aungier was appointed the President of the Surat factory and
Governor of Bombay in 1672, and remained at this post till 1675. He
offered various inducement to skilled workers and traders to set up
business in the new township. As a result, a large number of Parsis,
Armenian, Bohras, Jews, Gujarati banias from Surat and Diu and Brahmins
from Salsette came to Bombay. The population of Bombay was estimated
to have risen from 10,000 in 1661 to 60,000 in 1675. The first four governors held Bombay for the Crown:-
Gerald Aungier established the first mint in Bombay. In 1670 the Parsi
businessman Bhimjee Parikh imported the first printing press into
Bombay.
Aungier planned extensive fortifications from Dongri in the north to
Mendham's Point (near present day Lion Gate) in the south. However,
these walls were only built in the beginning of the 18th century. The
harbour was also developed, with space for the berthing of 20 ships. In
1686, the Company shifted its main holdings from Surat to Bombay.
During the Portuguese occupation, Bombay exported only coir and
coconuts. With the coming of many Indian and British merchants,
Bombay's trade developed. Soon it was trading in salt, rice, ivory,
cloth, lead and sword blades with many Indian ports as well as with
Mecca and Basra.
Life India-- Elephants Stable--Bullock powered Mill---Bullock cart --
Hill Fort of Mhowle-Lithographer: Ackermann, Rudolph (1764-1834) Medium: Lithograph Date: 1820
Coloured lithograph of the Hill Fort of Mhowle in the Western Ghats in
Maharashtra by Rudolph Ackermann (1764-1834) after an original drawing
by Captain James Barton (1793-1829). Plate 8 of 'Captain James Barton's
12 Views of Hill Forts in the Western Ghats near Bombay' published in
London c.1820. The Western Ghats are a range of hills that reach from
the state of Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu and separate Bombay, on the
western coast, from central India. This view shows a British encampment
in front of a large outcrop of rock at Mowle. The artist, Captain James
Barton, was an artillery officer who served in the third Anglo-Maratha
war in 1817-19.
Hill Fort on the Island of Caranjah-near BOMBAY-Artist: Forbes, James Medium: Engraving Date: 1813
From Salsette near Bombay, Forbes(1749-1819) sailed to Karanja and
landed about two miles from the principal town, situated between two
lofty mountains, on the west. He observed that it was: 'nothing more
than a large Mahratta village, with low-straggling houses, near a tank
covered with wild ducks and water-fowls, hitherto unmolested by
Europeans. On its bank a small fort, a Portuguese church and a Hindoo
temple embellished the view. It commands a western view of the town and
harbour of Bombay, Salsette and all the adjacent islands, and to the
east the mountains of the continent, and nearer plains of Caranjah;
abounding in rice-fields, coco-nut, palmyra, mango and tamarind trees,
filled with monkeys, parrots, owls, and singing-birds of various kinds'.
Vishalgad Fort, nestled amidst the rugged terrains of Maharashtra, stands as a stoic witness to centuries of historical evolution and architectural prowess. This formidable fortress, located in the Kolhapur district, holds a pivotal place in India’s rich history, reflecting the strategic importance it once held and the architectural ingenuity of its builders.
Historically, Vishalgad Fort played a crucial role in the Maratha Empire’s expansion and consolidation during the 17th century. Constructed in the 16th century by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, the fort served as a strategic stronghold against the rival Bijapur Sultanate. Its location atop a hill provided a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, allowing for effective surveillance and defense. The fort witnessed numerous battles and sieges, each leaving an indelible mark on its storied walls.
The architecture of Vishalgad Fort is a testament to the military acumen of its creators. The fort’s design incorporates a complex system of bastions, gates, and watchtowers, showcasing an astute understanding of defensive strategies. The massive stone walls, built with locally sourced materials, exemplify the engineering prowess of the time. The fort’s layout is designed to maximize its defensive capabilities, with intricate arrangements of bastions providing overlapping fields of fire, making it a formidable obstacle for any invading force.
One of the notable features of Vishalgad Fort is its well-preserved entrance, known as the ‘Maha Darwaja’ or the Great Gate. This imposing structure, flanked by bastions on either side, served as the primary entry point and played a crucial role in repelling enemy attacks. The architectural detailing on the gate reflects the artistic sensibilities of the period, with intricate carvings and embellishments adorning the stone facade.
The fort also houses various structures that served as living quarters, granaries, and storage facilities. These structures, though austere in design, reflect the pragmatic approach adopted by the Marathas in optimizing space and resources. The water conservation system within the fort, including step wells and reservoirs, underscores the foresight of its builders in ensuring a sustainable water supply during times of siege.
Vishalgad Fort’s historical significance extends beyond its military importance. It served as a center for administrative and economic activities, contributing to the overall prosperity of the region. The fort’s association with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a visionary leader and strategist, adds to its historical allure. The tales of valor and resilience associated with Vishalgad Fort have become an integral part of Maharashtra’s cultural and historical narrative.
Vishalgad Fort stands as a monumental testament to India’s rich history and architectural heritage among other monuments in Maharashtra. Its strategic significance in the Maratha Empire, coupled with its resilient design, highlights the military prowess of its builders. The fort’s well-preserved structures and historical associations make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into a bygone era when fortresses like Vishalgad played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Indian history.
The Fort of Visiadroog - Southern Koncan. One of a series of Views in India and in the vicinity of Bombay
Lithographer: Spreat, William (fl. mid-19th century)Medium: LithographDate: 1850
Lithograph of the Fort at Vijayadurg by William Spreat after an
original sketch by Robert Pouget and one of a series of 'Views in India
and in the vicinity of Bombay' dated c.1850 and published in London.
The Fort at Vijayadurg is located at the mouth of the Vaghotan creek on
the western coast of India between Goa and Bombay. The fort, built by
the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, was strengthened and enlarged by the
Maratha ruler Shivaji from 1669. While main entrance to the fort on
the landward side was protected by outworks and a moat, the inner
circuit of walls include 20 towers and rise to the height of 36m.
1858-BOMBAY FORT
Commencement of the Reservoir, in the Valley of Vehar, Island of Salsette," Illustrated London News, 1856*
1770-BOMBAY
The
Strait Between the Islands of Bombay and Salsette(before mahim
causeway/bridge was made) by William Carpenter (1818-99). Watercolour on
paper.
A general view of a British station Date: 1860. Image from Mary Evans - Prints Online
Lord
Hastings' flotilla on the river, with many pinnace budgerows--Artist:
Sita Ram (fl. c.1810-1822) Medium: Watercolour Date: 1814
A View of Black Wall with part of the Yard--Artist: Dodd, R Medium: Engraving Date: 1789
Dodd,
the artist, explained: "This view was taken at the launch of the
Bombay Castle, a 74-gun ship built at the expence of the Hon[ora]ble
East India Company and presented by them to His Majesty. Blackwall is
the most eminent place on the river Thames for building and equipping
ships for the service of the Honb.le East India Company. The Dockyard
has been considered as the East India Yard from the year 1608 and at
this time more capacious than any other private yard in the Kingdom or
probably in the world…"
A Hindoo Fair, a wood engraving from the Illustrated London News, 1858
TAXIS (PULKHI) WAITING FOR CUSTOMERS IN BUSINESS AREAS OF BOMBAY FORT -1800'S
Malabar hill and beach -post card 1900's
A view from Malabar Hill, Mumbai
A view of Malabar Hill from below.
malabar hill and chowpatty beach 1900's
TOWN HALL BOMBAY 1800'S -FORT WALL AND HARBOUR WITH SHIP MASTS CAN BE SEEN THE OPEN GROUND IN FRONT OF TOWN HALL WAS KNOWN AS BOMBAY GREENS WHERE OPEN AIR HAGGLING FOR COTTON BUNDLES AND OTHER EXPORT ITEMS TOOK PLACE .
BELOW ANOTHER VIEW OF BOMBAY GREEN TAKEN FROM TOWN HALL
EAST INDIA COMPANY SOLDIER'S MARCH PAST WITH 2 BOY DRUMMERS IN THE REAR SEEN IN MID GROUND ,COTTON BUNDLES READY FOR EXPORT WITH LOADERS SITTING ON TOP OF IT CAN BE SEEN,ENGLISH OFFICER BEING CARRIED ON A PULKHI WITH TWO SOLDIERS WITH DRAWN SWORDS IN FRONT NEXT TO THE COTTON BUNDLES ,ST THOMAS CATHEDRAL IN THE FAR BACK GROUND,A CHARIOT PRECEDED BY A MUSIC BAND IN THE BACK GROUND, TWO MERCHANTS IN FLOWING ROBES ON EXTREME RIGHT NEXT TO TWO ENGLISH GENTRY POSSIBLY HAGGLING OVER MERCHANDISE-1780
BOMBAY GREEN 1830,ST THOMAS CATHEDRAL CHURCH IN BACK l showing the Cornwallis monument BOMBAY GREEN PHOTO 1850l showing the Cornwallis monument BOMBAY GREEN SHOWING COTTON BUNDLES FOR EXPORT,WORKERS WEIGHING BUNDLES ON A TRIPOD SHAPED WEIGHT MACHINE,MERCHANTS IN FLOWING ROBES AND CAPS,HAMALS/LOADERS-MEN IN SCANTY CLOTHS WOMEN IN SARIS GOSSIPING? -LIFE WENT ON THEN AS IT IS NOW
BOMBAY TOWN HALL PHOTO 1850'S WITH BOMBAY GREEN GROUND AS SEEN FROM THE TOP OF THE ST THOMAS CATHEDRAL,SAILING SHIPS IN HARBOUR IN THE BACK GROUND COTTON MARKET BOMBAY NEXT TO BOMBAY HARBOUR 1860,SHIPS WITH MASTS CAN BE SEEN THE FIRST STAR HOTEL OF INDIA -WATSON HOTEL-CAN BE SEEN IN THE FOREGROUND AS MULTI STORY BUILDING WITH OPEN VERANDAHS-1890[BEFORE TATA WAS CHUCKED OUT OF THE HOTEL AS A DARK SKIN INDIAN,BEFORE TATA MADE TAJ MAHAL HOTEL IN RETALIATION] TOWN HALL BEFORE DISCOVERY OF CAR/AUTOMOBILES-1880'S
The Town Hall and part ofElphinstone Circle Gardens[BOMBAY GREENS]The garden was planned in 1869 and completed in 1872 with well laid out walkways and trees planted all around.
Elphinstone Circle Gardens[BOMBAY GREENS]
HARBOUR BOMBAY-NEAR TO Elphinstone Circle Gardens[BOMBAY GREENS] BOMBAY GREEN CONVERTED INTO A GARDEN -NOW KNOWN AS HORNIMAN CIRCLE GARDEN
Times of India Buildings, corner of Elphinstone Circle (now Horniman Circle), ca. 1880
The Horniman Circle Gardens is a large park in South Mumbai, India, which encompasses an
area of 12,081 square yards (10,101 m2).
Benjamin Horniman, the younger brother of Roy was also an author and journalist.
His output was of a more serious minded nature than that of his elder
brother. Similarly he was active in the campaigns to change the position
of India in the empire and was also an ardent anti-vivisectionist.
However he had no acting or other theatrical aspirations and after a
spell at the Indian Statesman was appointed in 1913 as founding editor
of the Bombay Chronicle. Here his radical views made him enemies in the
colonial government and in 1919 he was banished from India. He is still
remembered in India as a passionate supporter of Indian Independence.
Benjamin Guy Horniman (1873 – 1948) was a British journalist and editor of the ... 1906 to join the Statesman in Calcutta as its news editor, he had worked with several ... In 1913, he became editor of the Bombay Chronicle, a daily founded by ...
Horniman Circle Gardens
The
Horniman Circle Gardens is a large park in South Mumbai, India, which
encompasses an area of 12,081 square yards. It is situated in the Fort
district of Mumbai, and is surrounded by office complexes housing the
country's premier banks. Wikipedia
Situated in the Fort precinct of Mumbai, Horniman Circle Gardens is one among the largest parks in southern Mumbai. This garden is surrounded by various ...
In South Mumbai, Horniman Circle Gardens represents a green territory among the soaring buildings. This large park sprawls in an area of 12,081 square yards, ...
![Antique Map of Malabar,Coromandel and Ceylon [ Sri Lanka] 'Penin](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t91NTSlma_r8uKTjPu6MmPhWDBDBD0QJlfV2h8ZGcMHBuytJthCHmXjsDjkLiUIS9fveGP6cXXyCMgcVMr0yxWLwLgT9HzgxxeVR6wsQG-5gC2F6dTLvGPsukv-mTsGQ=s0-d "Antique Map of Malabar,Coromandel and Ceylon [ Sri Lanka] 'Penin")
%2C%2CMAYEN(MAHIM)&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ketanjoshi.net%2Fuploads%2F6%2F0%2F3%2F6%2F60363273%2F4367632_orig.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ketanjoshi.net%2Fblog%2Fforts-of-mumbai-mahim-and-bandra&docid=9SoecVZ6NgqKKM&tbnid=xe-uuOBwrE4maM&vet=12ahUKEwj3vJb4wuKGAxVxyzgGHUhTCXsQM3oECBoQAA..i&w=800&h=563&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwj3vJb4wuKGAxVxyzgGHUhTCXsQM3oECBoQAA)
![Bombay Photo Images[ Mumbai]: SOME MAPS ...](https://www.google.com/imgres?q=Title%3A%20Antique%20Map%20of%20Malabar%2CCoromandel%20and%20Ceylon%20%27Peninsula%20Indiae%20citra%20Gangem.....%0D%0AAuthor%3A%20Homann%20Heirs%0D%0APlaceAndYear%3A%20Nuremberg%2C1733&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.columbia.edu%2Fitc%2Fmealac%2Fpritchett%2F00routesdata%2F1700_1799%2Fmalabar%2Fmalabarmaps%2Fbenard1782g.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Foldphotosbombay.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F04%2Fsome-maps-of-bombay-before-bombay-city.html&docid=CB563HUfTQRL2M&tbnid=XIVFmBySyW_N4M&vet=12ahUKEwix-5z9wOKGAxVWwjgGHVB_CZwQM3oECD0QAA..i&w=800&h=600&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwix-5z9wOKGAxVWwjgGHVB_CZwQM3oECD0QAA)
A view of Malabar Hill from below.
