When the old is old

And also....



Washed in Sepia. A walk along the bylanes of Chor Bazaar, Bhendi Bazaar and Mutton Street throws you back to the bygone era. Crowded streets dotted with Bohri Muslims. Women in colourful burkhas. Men selling multi functional wares. Noise, clutter, mayhem. But a curious, new world (errr.. maybe that should read old.)

Interesting origin of names. Chor Bazaar began as Shor Bazaar; meaning Noisy Bazaar (named allegedly by the British). Later the name corrupted to Chor Bazaar and also became a self fulfilling prophecy with thieves bringing their stolen goods into the market. It is said that, if you lose anything in Mumbai you can buy it back from the Chor Bazaar.

Bhendi Bazaar. The British referred to this area to the north of Crawford Market as ‘Behind the Bazaar’ and the locals picked it as Bhendi Bazaar. Chinese whispers.

For me, I could get lost amidst the miasma of wood, old posters, miniatures, curios.