GALLERY 01 | WATER AND BUILT HERITAGE
EXHIBIT 02/04 03
Engaging with the Pyaavs
The Pyaavs in the Heritage Circuit spans in the island city of Mumbai from South to North and are concentrated in
some of the major areas like Fort Precinct, Mashid Bunder, Dadar, Parel, Mazagaon, Bandra, etc.
Kessowjee Naik Fountain & Clock tower
Location - Bhat Bazar, Mashid Bunder
Kessowjee Naik Pyaav, built in 1876, is one of the largest Pyaavs in Mumbai and has several unique features. It acts as a clock tower to the neighbourhood alongside being a drinking water fountain to pedestrians. Its elements are built in three different stones namely black basalt, red sandstone, and Porbandar stone. It was restored in 2014 through the efforts of the local community. The restoration of this Pyaav included extensive repairs to the stone edifice to get rid of vegetation and layers of incongruous additions. Stone surfaces were delicately cleaned to reveal the variety of materials and intricacy of its sculptural elements. This was a pioneering conservation effort towards the water-heritage of Mumbai, which was followed by restoration of other fountains in the city. The Pyaav now stands as a dominant shared public space, in the bustling locality of Bhaat Bazaar, whilst providing potable drinking water to the horde of workers, residents and shop owners around. It is part of the Heritage Pyaav circuit of Mumbai.
Kessowjee Naik Fountain & Clock Tower
The Water Fountain & Clock Tower reinstated
Restored Shikhar & Reinstatement of Clock
Restored Animal Water Trough
Restored Relief Work on Facade
Restored Nandi Statues
Inaugration of Kessowjee Naik Fountain & Clock Tower
Devidas Purbhoodas Kothari Pyaav & Kabootarkhana
Location - Opposite. GPO, Fort
Kothari Pyaav & Kabootarkhana was built by Devidas Purbhoodas Kothari in the year 1923 in memory of his daughter. Pyaavs were one of the primary sources of water for busy junctions in the city when tap water connections were absent. Kothari Pyaav had fallen prey to encroachments and neglect before 2016. It was thus reinstated to its original function and glory in 2017 by the MCGM. Cleaning and repairs to the stone edifice and sculptural elements along with reinstating the water supply, were the key aspects of conservation. This involved reworking the water engineering system to suit current requirements. The original character of the Kabootarkhana was also restored in the form of its cast iron railings and bollards. Remains of the stone pedestal for the gas lamp were used in an installation which depicts the culture and memory of 'lamp lighters' in the city. Addition of QR codes on the information plaques, allowed for multidisciplinary information to be accessible to a visitor on webpages and social media. This is part of the heritage Pyaav circuit in Mumbai.
Devidas Purbhoodas Kothari Pyaav & Kabootarkhana
Restored Water Bowl & Spout
Restored Pyaav & Kabootarkhana
Restored Pyaav & Kabootarkhana
Restored Pyaav & Kabootarkhana
Inaugration of Kothari Pyaav & Kabootarkhan
Conserve Cherish Celebrate
Water dispensing as charity-memorial remembering a person by giving something is important. Their historical significance needs to be highlighted to the people of the city.
Pyaav thus transcends into a broad cultural heritage. Instead of merely being a water dispenser, it also becomes a historic and cultural marker. Revival & Restoration of the
pyaavs can become a strong base for various cultural interventions & activities thus developing into a cultural spaces.
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