Session 3: Lecture on Meaning and Perceptions of Heritage

Heritage is our legacy from the past;
what we live with today and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Whatever may be their forms, they are the surviving remains of human endeavour, achievement and failure. They have potential to evoke remembrance or understanding of a past cultural context. All cultural materials including cultural landscapes that survived from the past are potentially 'cultural resources' i.e. they have some value or use in the present or future. "Every tablet, every little scarab, is a portion of life solidified; so much will, so much labour, so much living reality..."
        Along with immense enlightment and incredible brainstorming, Mr. Dalal had us in splits with his amazing sense of humour. Besides heritage, there were discussions about various other topics including current affairs and myths in our Indian history. All in all, this session provoked awareness and implementation regarding our heritage.

Session 2: Bandra Fort Walk

The Portuguese, who had established a base in the area in 1534 after defeating Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, built several sea forts along the western Indian coastline. Castella de Aguada (popularly known as Bandra Fort) was one such strategically located fort, overlooking the Mahim Bay to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, the islands of Worli to the south and the town of Mahim to the south west. The fort also guarded the northern sea route into Mumbai Harbour.

The Castelo is surrounded by the soothing sea and the magnificent view of Bandra-Worli sea link. The fort has been featured in many Bollywood movies such as Dil Chahta Hai, Wanted, Jane Tu Ya Jane Na, etc.

On the deluge and auspicious moments of the first heritage walk...

Heritage is not only history but, its future too. Many of architecture students can get good ideas from heritage properties. Many art directors can try dummy sets in their projects. Many photographers, painters can add their point of view in describing such subjects with lens or canvas.

Many writers can write blogs or articles on it. Many students as well as teachers can do their research. Scope is really wide but, the fact will remain same. Heritage is always remaining heritage but, would you like to satisfy with heritage or would you like to create heritage?

Question remains forever but, answer may differ at certain condition. It’s a magical journey through Mumbai to know heritage, promote heritage, preserve heritage & to create heritage with our benevolent contribution and unique work.

-Shubhankar Karande

  

Session 1: A Walk through the Fort Area

The first walk from was from Gateway of India to Mumbai University introduced the city of Mumbai, its history, heritage with focus on its architecture.

The route offered a grand testimony to the British Mumbai and presented landmarks of colonial architecture such as Gateway of India, Maharashtra Police Headquarters, Regal Cinema, Institute of Science, Prince of Wales Museum, Kala Ghoda Area, Mumbai University, etc. An array of architectural styles such as Neo-Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, Neo-Classical, Art Deco have truly established the cosmopolitan character of the city of Mumbai.

A walk through the myriad lanes of Mumbai is always exciting, as one is ought to stumble upon a hidden treasure; a missing piece in the narrative of the city.

Introduction to the Course

Mumbai is an interesting city…the city is known to all of us as the commercial capital of India, city of dreams, city of Bollywood, city that never sleeps…..But the city has an interesting past which it normally doesn’t reveal to its visitors as the city lives in the present and always talks about the future. We are here to explore that past, delve deeper into the facets of Mumbai, hitherto unknown...

In our course, ‘Heritage of Mumbai’ we introduce you to the heritage of this island city…not just to history and architecture, but also to its communities, religion, food, habits, practices, its lifelines- BEST & Mumbai Railway, and much more…We take you on an interesting journey of the past through a unique combination of lectures and heritage walks by eminent experts. And as you will walk down the memory lanes; the reality of the present will keep striking. You will surely enjoy this exciting journey…

So Come…Explore & Experience the Past with us!!