Mumbai's milestones

The story of Mumbai's forgotten heritage milestones

Mumbai’s old milestones are among the many victims in the city's tale of historic amnesia. “The milestones were built over two hundred years ago on the arterial roads leading south from north Mumbai,” explains historian Saleem Ahmadullah, who has done extensive research on such less celebrated aspects of the city’s historic heritage. 

These milestones today are an endangered lot - While some milestones have faded away into oblivion, others have mysteriously disappeared. There are about eight to ten existing milestones that dot the city today from Dhobi Talao to Prabhadevi.

Several years ago, the idea of relocating all the markers to a museum had been floated. “I had opposed it then, saying the milestone should be preserved ‘in situ’, in it’s original location. But seeing the way things have gone, I regret that decision,” admits Ahmadullah.

This is an excerpt from a piece originally published in The Times of South Mumbai (a publication by The Times of India)

Photo credits: acewings.tumblr.com

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Cutting Chai Wisdom

Cutting Chai Wisdom: When Less is More

The Man of the Moment

I was in Belgaum, Karnata for a day, and being the ultra-hyper-restless one that I am, decided to wander about its streets. Suddenly, it began to rain furiously and I was forced to take refuge under the roof of a tiny tea stall.

That's where I met the fabulous Mr. Anand.

Mr. Anand is a roadside tea seller who could easily qualify off as a philosopher. 

A faint smile on his face, he told me, "These days, everyone wants bigger, better, more. No one is satisfied with anything. The little glass of cutting chai is one of the few places where people actually find satisfaction in less, rather than more. 

For only four rupees, I sell them a few moments of peace."

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The Little Boy who Could

Little Dhanush, sitting snug in the auto

This morning, as I caught an auto to work, I found a surprise waiting for me in the back seat. 

Dhanush, a tiny eight-year-old boy, sat huddled up in the corner of the seat. 

He greeted me with a shy grin and half wave. Curious, I settled in and we went on our way. 

Turns out that little Dhanush loves to travel to new places—but his parents cannot really afford extensive travel. He’s hence befriended all the auto drivers of his neighbourhood and tags along with them whenever he doesn’t have school.

Head sticking out of the auto, eyes wide with excitement, he soaks in the new places and faces - Enjoying every minute of the bumpy ride.

If you really want to travel, you will find a way to make it happen.

Just like Dhanush.