INDIVUE – travel & art

Recent Posts

  • Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai 29/09/2006

    Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai 29/09/2006

    Artist with her paintings in Jehangir art gallery in 2006
    Artist with her paintings in Jehangir art gallery in 2006

    Exhibition in Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai

    In the bustling heart of Mumbai, nestled among the echoes of the city’s perpetual motion, stands the Jehangir Art Gallery. It’s a sanctuary of serenity and creativity, a place where art breathes and thrives amidst the urban cacophony. The black and white photograph captures the gallery’s facade, a timeless portal to a world where color and form come alive. The steps leading up to it bear silent witness to the myriad stories of those who seek the solace of art. Men sit and stand outside, perhaps pondering the beauty they’ve witnessed or awaiting the company of fellow art enthusiasts.

    Inside the gallery, the air is different — charged with the silent, electric presence of art speaking to those who listen. In the second image, color bursts forth from the canvases, a stark contrast to the grayscale of the world outside. Here stands an artist, a creator among her creations, her smile as warm as the hues that dance upon her paintings. She is the heart of this exhibit, each stroke of her brush a testament to the passion and vision that Mumbai’s artists are renowned for.

    The gallery walls tell tales in color and texture — stories from the artist’s own journey, her experiences etched into the canvas, her emotions blended into the pigments. Visitors move from one painting to another, their eyes reflecting the art, their minds wandering the landscapes painted before them. The artist watches, her heart swelling with pride and anticipation as eyes linger on her work, as conversations spark and debates ensue.

    The Jehangir Art Gallery is a crossroads of ideas, a melting pot of perspectives, where every visitor takes away something different, something personal. The artist in her sari, standing proudly by her work, represents the soul of this place — the unyielding spirit of creativity that Mumbai embodies.

    As the day wanes and shadows lengthen, the lights within the gallery glow a little softer, the murmur of the crowd a little quieter. But the impact of the art remains, lingering in the minds of those who have seen, felt, and connected with the expressions of the human soul adorning the walls. This is the story of Jehangir Art Gallery, a story of art and heart in the midst of Mumbai’s chaos.

    About Jehangir Art Gallery

    Jehangir Art Gallery, located in the vibrant Kala Ghoda art district of Southern Mumbai, stands as a beacon of artistic expression and contemporary Indian art. Established in 1952, it was founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, who was persuaded by notable figures K. K. Hebbar and Homi Bhabha. This gallery is a cultural landmark that has been integral to the evolution of the Indian art scene.

    The gallery has been a prestigious platform for artists to showcase their work since its inception, and the entire cost of this grand mansion was generously donated by Cowasji Jehangir. With no entry fee, it is a place where residents of Mumbai and visitors alike can freely admire the creative outputs of painters, sculptors, print-makers, craftsmen, ceramicists, photographers, and weavers. The hall may be small, but the privilege of displaying artwork here is a high honor among artists.

    The gallery’s strategic location at Kala Ghoda makes it a central figure in what is considered Mumbai’s art district today. The neighborhood itself has developed alongside the gallery, becoming a hub of cultural activity and artistic dialogue. The gallery’s contribution to the neighborhood and to the larger contemporary art world in India is significant, fostering a community where creativity is nurtured and celebrated.

    Jehangir Art Gallery continues to uphold its mission to promote new talent and established artists, allowing them to present their art to the public and critics alike. This establishment is not merely an architectural space but a living, breathing cultural institution that reflects the dynamic spirit of Mumbai’s art world.

    Useful links:

  • Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus 27/09/2006

    Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus 27/09/2006

    (Updated 2023)

    Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is the busiest railwaystation in Mumbai
    Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is the busiest railwaystation in Mumbai

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, crossroads of the past and the future

    In the bustling heart of Mumbai, as the cloak of night descended upon the city, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus stood like a grand sentinel at the threshold of time. It was a warm evening in 2006, and the historic railway station, a marquee of Victorian Gothic architecture, was bathed in the soft glow of its ornate street lamps. The golden light carved out the intricate details of its façades and turrets against the darkening sky, a testament to a bygone era’s architectural prowess.

    Even at this late hour, the terminal was a hive of activity. Commuters, just specks from a distance, scurried across its grand portals, some racing to catch the last local train, others just arriving from distant parts of the country, each carrying stories in the folds of their weary eyes. The air was thick with the scent of fried samosas from nearby vendors, blending with the distant sound of honking taxis and the perpetual rhythm of the city.

    Taxi drivers, lined up in their iconic black and yellow cabs, called out to weary travelers, offering rides to every corner of Mumbai. Their engines idled, ready to whisk away anyone to places where dreams were both made and lost. The street, a blur of motion, captured the relentless pace of the city that never sleeps.

    Above the commotion, the clock tower stood resolute, its hands inching towards midnight. Its ticking was like the heartbeat of Mumbai, steady and reassuring, a reminder that in the city’s relentless march forward, there was a rhythm and order.

    This was Mumbai, a city of stark contrasts and enduring spirit, captured in the grandeur of one of its most iconic landmarks. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, much like the city it served, was a crossroads of the past and the future, a place where every moment held the weight of history and the rush of tomorrow.

    The Timeless Elegance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

    Mumbai, the pulsating heart of India, is a city woven from the threads of diversity, history, and relentless ambition. It is here, amidst the urban symphony of sights and sounds, that the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) stands as a resplendent emblem of the city’s colonial past and its modern-day vibrancy.

    Architectural Grandeur

    Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, this historic railway station is an architectural marvel that has withstood the test of time since its inception in 1887. Designed by the British architect F.W. Stevens, it is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, fused with themes derived from Indian traditional architecture. The terminal’s sky-piercing turrets, pointed arches, and detailed stonework are a visual sonnet that pays homage to the craftsmanship of its era.

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site

    CST is not just the heart of Mumbai’s railway network; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws tourists, photographers, and historians alike. The designation is a recognition of the station’s historical significance and its role in the nation’s colonial and post-colonial history. The structure serves as a historical document, etched in stone, capturing the economic and social transformations that have swept through India.

    The Pulse of Mumbai

    The terminal is much more than a railroad hub; it’s the pulse of the city. It sees the daily flow of over three million commuters, reflecting the city’s diversity. Travelers can witness the hustle of daily life in Mumbai here—office-goers dashing for their trains, vendors selling local snacks, and the echoing announcements that guide people through their journeys.

    Photographic Muse

    For photographers, CST offers an unparalleled canvas. Capturing the play of light on the intricate carvings, the silhouette of the grand structure against the twilight sky, or the motion blur of passengers against the static beauty of the station, the terminal is a muse that inspires.

    Gateway to the City

    Located in the southern tip of Mumbai, CST is the perfect starting point for any traveler looking to explore the city. It connects to all parts of Mumbai and is a stone’s throw away from other iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

    A Night to Remember

    Nighttime bestows a different character upon CST. As the day’s fervor recedes, the station’s facade is lit up, highlighting its architectural nuances and creating a serene aura. This is the moment when CST isn’t just a transit point but a historical monument taking a breath, standing tall amidst the city’s dreams and aspirations.

    A Cultural Experience

    The area around CST is replete with cultural experiences. From the nearby heritage walk that explores the colonial buildings to the street food vendors that offer Mumbai delicacies, the station is a gateway to the cultural heart of the city.

    Visitor’s Note

    For those planning to visit, the best time to capture the essence of CST is during the early morning or late evening hours when the crowd is thinner. The station is functional 24/7, with guided tours available for those interested in its history.

    Useful links:

  • Stray cats in Mumbai 26/09/2006

    Stray cats in Mumbai 26/09/2006

    Story of stray cats in Mumbai

    In the dense weave of Mumbai‘s old quarter, where the architecture is as layered and complex as the history it has witnessed, there stands a crumbling edifice that has become an observatory for the unlikeliest of observers. Perched upon the remnants of what once was a grand stoop are four stray cats, their varied coats a mosaic against the backdrop of peeling paint and worn stone.

    Three of the cats are an unlikely trio bound by the kindred spirits of survival: Raja, the ginger patriarch whose white markings speak of countless encounters; Tara, the mottled guardian whose silence is as profound as the depth of her gaze; and Neel, the audacious kitten whose blue-grey fur is as whimsical as his young heart. Together, they form a fellowship, a small, feral family drawn together by the streets that demand both their cunning and their grace.

    On this overcast afternoon, their collective gaze is fixed upon a lone figure wandering down the narrow lane—a stray dog, its coat as weathered as the city it roams. In another life, perhaps, they might be adversaries, but here they are merely inhabitants of the same concrete jungle, their paths intersecting but briefly in the vast narrative of Mumbai.

    The dog moves with an aimless determination, its paws padding softly against the ground, carrying it through the silent stories that line the street. To the cats, this is a familiar sight, a daily ritual that brings a semblance of routine to their otherwise unpredictable lives. They watch, not with malice or fear, but with a quiet understanding that here, in this moment, they are all part of the same tapestry, threads woven tightly into the fabric of the city.

    Raja, with the wisdom that comes from his years, watches over Neel, ensuring the young one learns the ways of their world—where to find shelter during the monsoon rains, which vendors might toss a fishbone or two their way, and how to read the street’s many characters. Tara, ever the silent sentinel, observes the dog with a calculated stillness, her experience teaching her when to be seen and when to blend into the shadows.

    The photograph captures this moment of shared contemplation. As the dog disappears from view, the cats relax, each in their own way. Raja returns to his grooming, Tara resumes her watch, and Neel, ever the curious soul, chases a fluttering leaf that has dared to dance too close to their stoop.

    In this corner of the city, time marches to the beat of a different drum, one that resonates with the purrs of feline observers and the soft footsteps of a dog’s solitary promenade. This is their story, a story of coexistence in the vast narrative tapestry of Mumbai.

    Useful links: