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The Maharashtra State Archives has launched four heritage trail handbooks tracing colonial and local history from Bandra to Vasai. Led by director Dr. Rucha Deo, the project covers trails through Bandra, Andheri-Dahisar, Mira-Bhayandar, and Bassein, highlighting forts, churches, markets, and East Indian villages. Developed with support from institutions like St Xavier's College and JJ School of Architecture, the booklets include QR-mapped locations, architectural sketches, and oral histories. Officials aim to integrate these trails into tourism and educational initiatives, helping residents reconnect with Mumbai's overlooked suburban heritage. Digital editions are also planned to widen access and revive community interest.
In a unique effort to rediscover Mumbai's lesser-known colonial and indigenous history, the Maharashtra State Archives has unveiled four handbooks tracing heritage trails from Bandra to Bassein (Vasai). These booklets spotlight old forts, churches, and cultural landmarks spread across Mumbai's north-western coast. Advertisement
The series, developed by a team led by state archives director Dr. Rucha Deo, explores historical pockets from Bandra, Andheri, Malad, Dahisar, Mira Road, Bhayandar to Vasai. Many of these areas, once bastions of Portuguese rule, are now bustling suburbs.
Deo stated that the trails are designed to connect Mumbaikars with the forgotten stories of their own neighbourhoods. While landmarks like the Gateway of India or CST are well-known, the project aims to highlight lesser-known sites such as Bassein Fort, heritage churches, markets, and wells that are often overlooked.
The project was born out of a collaboration between the state's Archives Department and experts in history, urban planning and heritage conservation, including St Xavier's College and JJ School of Architecture.
The four booklets cover distinct trails and landmarks in the Mumbai region. The Bandra Trail highlights notable sites such as Mount Mary Basilica, Castella de Aguada (Bandra Fort), and the East Indian villages. The Andheri to Dahisar Trail focuses on historical religious and colonial-era structures, including St John's Church and the ruins of Marol Fort. The Mira Road to Bhayandar Trail features traditional water tanks, church precincts, and local marketplaces. Lastly, the Bassein (Vasai) booklet is dedicated entirely to Vasai Fort, showcasing its extensive Portuguese-era complex, chapels, and old civic buildings.
Apart from history, the handbooks also include architectural sketches, QR code-based location maps, and locally-sourced oral narratives that offer a hyperlocal view into Mumbai's layered urban identity.
Officials hope this initiative will help integrate these trails into city tourism plans and revive interest in suburban cultural heritage. Physical copies will soon be distributed in schools and libraries, with talks of digital editions and mobile-friendly versions underway.
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