Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 30: Authored by Mohanlal Popatlal Gandhi, a journalist who worked for the Daily Gazetteer in Karachi in 1931, and later started his own newspaper—Swadeshi. After a hiatus from journalism, he joined Vyapar, India’s first economic newspaper in 1957. Mohanlal, emphasizing learning and strong morals, continued writing until he died in 1996. This book reflects his love for Mumbai and aims to share his essence with readers.
The Making of a Metropolis: The Story of Bombay offers a unique insight into the historical evolution of Bombay (now-Mumbai), through meticulous research and profound writing. The manuscript was discovered by the author’s offspring, Minaxi Kamath, after his demise in 1996. It captures the essence of the city’s past and its transformation into a modern metropolis by 1966.
The project of bringing this manuscript to fruition is a labour of love for the author’s family. To preserve the authentic flavour, the author’s choice of names, such as Bombay and Poona, has been retained throughout the text. The visual elements of the book combine artworks depicting Bombay’s past with contemporary digital photographs of present-day Mumbai.
The publication, as outlined by Mohanlal P. Gandhi, aims to present a comprehensive overview of Bombay’s history, growth, and development. It emphasizes the city’s geographical significance, scenic setting, and natural harbour, which have collectively propelled it to become the most populous and prosperous metropolis in the country.
Furthermore, the book provides a chronological visual presentation of Bombay’s history, starting with a panoramic view of the city centre and followed by sections on historical landmarks, trade and commerce, municipal services, and transportation infrastructure. Through this comprehensive exploration, the book aims to offer readers a quick and informative understanding of Bombay’s rich past and its role as a dynamic urban centre. The price of the book is INR 2,950 | USD 50 and Pages: 300. Printed and Published by Spenta Multimedia PVT. LTD.
Minaxi Kamath, the author’s daughter says “Growing up, I always saw my father surrounded by books, deeply immersed in reading and writing. Though I instinctively understood that he was someone who wrote to explore and understand the world, I never took an interest in what exactly he was writing. It was only after his demise in 1996 that I started going through the files he had left with my mother and discovered this manuscript. Once I read his work, I was struck by the depth of his research and the flair inherent in his writing. From that point, it became a project to actualize a book from my father’s manuscript and make his writings accessible to all. It’s been a while in the making, but my father’s labour of knowledge and love is finally here.”
“Spenta Multimedia is indeed grateful for being allowed to be a participant in this endeavour,” says Maneck Davar, Chairman, Spenta Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. “Mumbai is a fascinating city and its colonial antecedents impact its unique character, social, economic and architectural. Mohanlal P. Gandhi’s phenomenal historical work capturing the essence of the city deserves widespread dissemination. We have to be thankful to his daughter Dr. Minaxi for her perseverance in ensuring the publication of her father’s long-forgotten work.”
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