relics that quenched city's thirst
Not only humans, these fountains also served the horses that drew trams.
When the BMC demolished a pyau (historic water fountain) at Bharatmata a few months ago, they not just lost an important piece of city's ornamental architecture, but also a crucial part of Mumbai's water history. Water fountains that dot the city today are important relics of the bygone era, when horse-drawn trams and bullock carts were important modes of transit. Such pyaus were located along the tram lines and crowded business districts not just for human drinking purpose, but also as troughs for cattle and tram horses.
Professor Dr Varsha S Shirgaonkar at SNDT Women's University at Churchgate, in her latest book Exploring the Water Heritage of Mumbai, documents each and every such relic of the past related to the city's water history. The book goes to document in detail all the known and unknown pyaus in the city and tells you the fascinating history of water supply and its relics today.
"Every ignored pyau that we see on the streets today in this fast-paced world has a story to tell. The study of fountains or pyaus helps us understand the social fabric of the city. The plaques, the data collected from archival and oral sources become a pointer to the information of the various communities that immigrated to Bombay," she says.
"There are two types of fountains — ornamental and drinking ones. Though the practice of ornamental fountains in India has been the legacy of Mughal and Rajput leaders, they have also been a symbol of water charities. The idea of erection of drinking fountains took root during the 1860s when the then Governor demolished the ramparts of the old fort and opened up Bombay. (The popular Flora Fountain is a relic of that era.) The fountains created their own artistic space in the city's town planning," adds the book.
Not only humans, these fountains also served the horses that drew trams.
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When the BMC demolished a pyau (historic water fountain) at Bharatmata a few months ago, they not just lost an important piece of city's ornamental architecture, but also a crucial part of Mumbai's water history. Water fountains that dot the city today are important relics of the bygone era, when horse-drawn trams and bullock carts were important modes of transit. Such pyaus were located along the tram lines and crowded business districts not just for human drinking purpose, but also as troughs for cattle and tram horses.
Professor Dr Varsha S Shirgaonkar at SNDT Women's University at Churchgate, in her latest book Exploring the Water Heritage of Mumbai, documents each and every such relic of the past related to the city's water history. The book goes to document in detail all the known and unknown pyaus in the city and tells you the fascinating history of water supply and its relics today.
"Every ignored pyau that we see on the streets today in this fast-paced world has a story to tell. The study of fountains or pyaus helps us understand the social fabric of the city. The plaques, the data collected from archival and oral sources become a pointer to the information of the various communities that immigrated to Bombay," she says.
"There are two types of fountains — ornamental and drinking ones. Though the practice of ornamental fountains in India has been the legacy of Mughal and Rajput leaders, they have also been a symbol of water charities. The idea of erection of drinking fountains took root during the 1860s when the then Governor demolished the ramparts of the old fort and opened up Bombay. (The popular Flora Fountain is a relic of that era.) The fountains created their own artistic space in the city's town planning," adds the book.
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