Our group undertook this field visit to Matharpacady, Mazgaon on Friday, 30th January 2026. The primary objective of this visit was to study heritage architecture. The visit was designed to provide us with firsthand experience of historical urban settlements and their architectural significance, complementing our theoretical understanding of Mumbai’s cultural and architectural evolution.
What We Witnessed:
During our exploration of Matharpacady, we witnessed the remarkable East Indian village structures that have survived amidst Mumbai’s rapid urbanization. The settlement showcased traditional architectural elements characteristic of the East Indian community, including distinctive residential buildings with sloping roofs, wooden facades, and vernacular construction techniques. We observed how these structures reflect the unique cultural identity of the East Indian community that has inhabited this area for generations. The narrow lanes, community spaces, and the organic layout of the village provided valuable insights into pre-colonial and colonial-era settlement patterns. This living heritage site offered us a tangible connection to Mumbai’s layered history, demonstrating the coexistence of traditional architecture within a modern metropolitan context.
Dayshaun Nalli, -Apphia Khristi and Mahima Meshram – Class of TYBA History, Wilson College
