Contact for documentation of 'Arts and Crafts' Center of Bhuleshwar-Kalbadevi

The narrow and winding streets of Bhuleshwar-Kalbadevi have been a center of traditional arts and crafts for more than a century. Street markets selling gold and silver jewellery, zari embroidery, lace, brassware and other handmade arts attract generations of shoppers from other parts of the city. As the area undergoes changes, including redevelopment and business relocation to new centres, the markets are in danger of disappearing.

A project by the Greater Mumbai Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage will document the arts and crafts communities of the region for posterity.

Katyayani Agarwal, convener of the Mumbai chapter of INTACH, said, “We think this is very important because most of the traditional crafts of the region are either dying out, moving out and shifting to new markets, as in silver and In the case of goldsmiths. Being taken to Bandra Kurla Complex.”

The collapse of the markets could damage the cultural fabric of the region, Agarwal said. “The streets of Bhuleshwar, which once echoed with the melodious sounds of craft making tools, are now being replaced by the noise of hawkers selling 'Made in China' products. We are already late to save the tradition but it is not too late,” Agarwal said. “The documentation of INTACH will help in creating awareness about traditional crafts among the local people as well as visitors to the city. We hope that it will also become a document for the study of Mumbai markets and market traditions. This is necessary now.”

The narrow and winding streets of Bhuleshwar-Kalbadevi have been a center of traditional arts and crafts for more than a century. , Vijay Gohil

The narrow and winding streets of Bhuleshwar-Kalbadevi have been a center of traditional arts and crafts for more than a century. ,

The narrow and winding streets of Bhuleshwar-Kalbadevi have been a center of traditional arts and crafts for more than a century. , Vijay Gohil

INTACH's team for the project includes co-convenors Rajul Dhaimade and Anita Yewale, with Shaila Malik leading the documentation project. The project will be funded by INTACH and will involve students from St. Xavier's College and other institutions who will document the markets, artist communities and tools of the trade. The project is expected to begin in December 2024 and the project will produce content for films, brochures, guides and even a coffee table book.

Bindu Manchanda, director of INTACH's Heritage Community and Crafts Division, said arts and crafts are the second largest employer in the country after agriculture. “Artisans settled in this area, but the pressure of urbanization may cause these communities to disappear. We want to bring the history of these communities and their role in the making of the city into the public domain. They are part of our ecosystem, bringing color and beauty to our lives,” Manchanda said.

Adil Dholakia, an architect who is part of the team, said they are mapping the built heritage and cultural narrative of the complex. “We are capturing the essence of this vibrant urban landscape where tradition and identity thrive. Having worked in Bhuleshwar last year, I have seen firsthand how community crafts have sustained the region for decades. Dholakia said, Bhuleshwar's community-based heritage regeneration project highlights the strength of local artisans in preserving tradition and the thriving craft hub. “Now with INTACH we will be documenting and cataloging the crafts and practitioners of Bhuleshwar.”

Art and Craft of Bhuleshwar/Kalbadevi

zardozi embroidery

Mukash/Mukesh Metallic Wire Embroidery (Revenge)

hand and machine embroidery

Hand, digital and block painting on textiles

Bandhani/Bandhej (Rai Bandhani)

applique work and lace

Jadau, Kundan, Pearl and Artificial Jewelery

Gold, Silver, Brass, Gemstones, and Oxidized Jewelry

bangle and lac work

brass and copper utensils

Garlands and flower decorations for weddings and rituals

papier mache