What happens
when a slice of 19th-century Portugal collides with 21st-century Mumbai? The
answer lies in Khotachiwadi. This urban village, packed with centuries of
heritage in its narrow, winding lanes, defies the city's vertical ambitions.
Continuing Avid Learning's journey through the ‘Precincts’ series, our fourth destination brings us to Khotachiwadi, a vibrant microcosm of the city’s cultural legacy. Its iconic wooden balconies, stained glass windows, and sloping roofs beautifully reflect the architectural fusion of native Maharashtrian, East Indian Christian, and Portuguese influences. Once a tranquil village, Khotachiwadi has transformed into a creative haven, attracting artists, designers, and cultural enthusiasts while preserving the spirit of old Bombay with its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
André Baptista is a lecturer and consultant in Archaeology, History and Cultural Heritage. His research interests include prehistory, man-land relationships, landscape evolution on the one hand, and colonial history, urban development and shaping of socio-cultural spaces on the other. He has a doctorate in Landscape and Environmental Archaeology from the Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune, India. Andréhas represented universities as well as the Archaeological Survey of India on several explorations and excavations at sites ranging from the prehistoric to the early medieval. He is Visiting Faculty for Archaeology at the Kamla Raheja Vidynidhi Institute of Architecture and Environmental Studies, Juhu, and NMIMS’ Balwant Sheth School of Architecture, Ville Parle. He served as a Research Consultant for the Maritime History Society, Western Naval Command. From 2017 to 2022 he was Assistant Editor of Man and Environment, the biannual journal of the Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quaternary Studies (ISPQS), Pune. He has co-edited the felicitation volume 'Rethinking the Past: A Tribute to Prof. V.N. Misra' (2017) and ‘Adaptations Across Antiquity: Tracing Quaternary Environments and Prehistoric Cultural Responses’ (2022) published by ISPQS. He was a consultant, and a contributing author of the subsection on 'Heritage' for Spenta Multimedia's 'The Endless City: Mumbai' (2018), a book by the District Planning Committee, Collector Office, Mumbai Suburban District. He co-cutated with C&L Design ‘This Ground, Plus: Khotachi Wadi in Design Context' (2022) at 47A-Design Gallery. In May of 2023, in collaboration with CyArk (Cyber Archive), he represented the INSTUCEN Trust as Director (Local Team) to 3-dimensionally document the Elephanta Caves as part of Google Arts and Culture's 'Heritage on the Edge' Project. Most recently, he convened a one-day on-site Heritage Conclave 'Urban Oases: Engaging with Mumbai's Historic Neighborhoods through Khotachiwadi' - supported by Dr. Pheroza Godrej and organised under the aegis of the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra; Balwant Sheth School of Architecture, SVKM's NMIMS University; Mumbai Research Centre, Asiatic Society of Mumbai; and 47-A Design Gallery, Khotachi Wadi. He is also a 4th generation descendant of Khotachiwadi.
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Srila Chatterjee spent 25 years helming Highlight Films, which nurtured much talent and furthered many a successful career in cinema, fashion, production and set design. She curated the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in its early years, co-founded blueFROG - the iconic music venue and co-founded Baro : a furniture and craft based concept store where she curated a year long art and cultural calendar and created an iconic brand. In 2020 she founded Baro Market with its iconic bazars based on craft and its focus on affordable art, and in 2022 she co-founded 47-A, a gallery for design located in the historic village of Khotachi Wadi in Bombay. Srila is the Creative Head for all of Baro Market’s verticals. In addition, she styles interior spaces for people who are charmed by her distinctive style, and curates art experiences that are original and exhilarating.
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James Ferreira is an Indian fashion designer and founder of the ‘James Ferreira’ designer label. He is a pioneer in the Indian Fashion Industry and has collaborated with all major players that shaped the Fashion, Textile, and media business in the formative years. He started his design career in 1976 and currently his label comprises predominantly Western silhouettes with subtle non-literal infusion of Indian elements and retails in all major boutiques across India. Early Bollywood stars, to current International celebrities like Freida Pinto, have worn the designer’s creations. The designer lives and works out of the iconic 47-G Bungalow at Khotachiwadi which is one of the last surviving Heritage villages of Bombay. Ferreira is also an active member of the URBZ group that works towards preserving heritage districts and areas within metros. He has been vociferously opposing the takeover bid of Khotachiwadi by businesspeople from Bombay and mobilizing support for the cause.
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Nikhil Mahashur's strong passion for hospitality and commercial architecture is blended with a broad experience in PMC. He believes in creating a space not only for the person who commissions it but for the people who are going to use the space – each project is a celebration of that space and its intimacy. He describes his architectural style as Eclitecture - designing cotemporary buildings and layering them with traditional elements. He firmly believes that the first impression is the one that will make you fall in love with the building. Helmed by Nikhil Mahashur, Nikhil Mahashur & Associates (NMA) is accustomed to delivering exemplary projects across Architecture, Renovation, Interiors and PMC. NMA's design philosophy is therefore entrenched in creating the right first impression and a WOW factor through simplicity, where even a little chaos can be simple.
Read moreMumbai's Hidden Heritage: Khotachiwadi
Khotachiwadi, in the heart of Girgaon nestled between neighbourhoods of Gaiwadi and Sikanagar, is a captivating heritage precinct that still tells the story of how the islands of Bombay went through several changes to become part of Mumbai. The place was named 'Khotachiwadi' in 1880 by the Bombay Municipal Corporation derived from the surname Khot, honouring Dadoba Waman Khot, who was assigned as the land revenue officer of this place around the late 18th century. Originally inhabited by early settlers from the fishing communities of Kolis and Patharre Prabhu, Khotachiwadi became a vibrant neighbourhood when Waman Khote sold land to members of the East Indian Christian community.
Architecture and Attractions of Khotachiwadi
The communities embraced their cultural roots by opting for Portuguese-style architecture displayed with Burmese timber and Mangalore tiles. Today, while only 25-27 houses remain out of more than 60 that once stood proudly in this area, each structure whispers tales of yesteryear—reflecting both resilience and beauty amidst urbanization.
Shrila Chatterjee’s Design Gallery 47A promises to keep calling you back to Khotachiwadi with its enchanting exhibits and engaging events. Kanika Karvinkop’s No Borders Fashion House is a one-stop destination for amazing vintage clothing and accessories. Walking through Khotachiwadi is not just a stroll through history; it’s an invitation to experience Bombay’s past and appreciate the architectural legacy thriving within these charming lanes while fighting the endless battle against rapid growth and redevelopment.
Stories of Khotachiwadi’s People and Their Homes
Khotachiwadi, a hidden gem in the bustling city of Mumbai, is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored. One of its most notable landmarks is the oldest house in Khotachiwadi, which stands proudly at nearly 210 years old. This remarkable residence belongs to Mr. James Ferreira, the esteemed president of the Khotachiwadi Heritage Trust. His artistic compound is a feast for the eyes, adorned with exquisite crockery and beautifully landscaped gardens that invite you to linger and appreciate their charm.
Just diagonally opposite James's home lies Mr. Wilfred Fernandez's house, which offers visitors an entirely different experience—a delightful zoological adventure! As you stroll through his vibrant yard, you'll encounter charming animals including birds, cats, and rabbits. An old sink has been ingeniously transformed into a mini fish pond that adds a whimsical touch to this unique space. Adding to this enchanting atmosphere is Mr. Fernandez himself; often found strumming his guitar while basking in the joy of music.
One more heritage home, 130 years old owned by Andre Baptista a history and archaeology professor has been home to four generations. It continues to be a living abode of traditions and customs celebrating the essence of the Portuguese and Maratha world.
