Beyond Dongri's Underworld Roots: An Ever-evolving Tableau of Tradition and Transformation
In the heart of Mumbai, the neighborhood of Dongri stands as a testament to history, culture, and resilience. However, its future hangs in the balance as development projects threaten its unique character.
Recently, thousands of residents from Dongri, Bhayandar, and nearby regions joined forces in peaceful protests against proposed changes that could harm the area's heritage [2][3]. The community's solidarity is a clear indication of their desire to preserve Dongri's cultural fabric, which has been historically defined by figures like Karim Lala, Haji Mastan, and Dawood Ibrahim.
Yet, as of mid-2025, there is no publicly available information on formal heritage preservation schemes or restoration projects specifically targeting Dongri's historical and architectural legacy in the municipal communications [1]. This lack of clarity raises concerns among residents like Dr. Sadiq Uttanwalla, a historian and resident of Dongri, who fears that redevelopment could threaten old buildings and the stories they hold.
The neighborhood's rich history is evident in its architectural gems. The Moghal Masjid (Masjid-e-Iranian), built in 1860 by Iranian merchant Haji Mohammed Husain Shirazi, features Persian Qajar tiles and stained glass. The Khoja Jamaat complex houses India's first memorial arch for Karbala's martyrs, the Makrana-stone Baab-e-Shohada-e-Karbala Gate.
A photowalk led by Dr. Uttanwalla and Shantanu Dey, walk leader and curator of special heritage walks with PhotoWalks Mumbai, served as a reminder that Dongri's legacy is about layers of history, textures of faith, scents of tradition, and voices of resilience. The walk began in the Charnul area, where the scent of freshly fried kachori, jalebi, and halwa filled the air.
Art Deco balconies, colonial facades, and hand-painted tiles gleamed in the slanting morning light, but face the threat of redevelopment. The neighborhood also houses century-old perfume and attar shops with crystal bottles of oils sourced from Arabian countries - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman.
As the sun rose, Dongri emitted a scent of nihari and marigolds. In a quiet lane, an individual displayed old coins and vintage currency notes like relics of time. The old Umerkhadi (Dongri) Jail, built in 1804, once held freedom fighters like Tilak and Savarkar, and now serves as a juvenile detention center.
The current situation is a call to action. If no steps are taken to preserve Dongri's unique character, it may fade behind the glass towers of modernization. The community's fight is not just about preserving buildings, but about safeguarding the stories, traditions, and resilience that make Dongri the vibrant neighborhood it is today.
In contrast to the uncertain future of Dongri's heritage, the area's cultural fabric is being redefined by new faces. Today, comedians like Munawar Faruqui, Sumaira Shaikh, and rapper Jazzy Nanu are redefining Dongri's image, bringing laughter, music, and a new energy to its streets [5]. Dr. Uttanwalla believes that the next generation will bring back Dongri's lost glory.
While the future of Dongri's physical heritage remains unclear, its spirit continues to thrive. The community's determination to protect its cultural fabric is a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience that has defined Dongri for centuries.
- The ongoing fight in Dongri, Bhayandar, and nearby regions is not solely about preserving buildings, but also safeguarding the stories, traditions, and resilience that make it the vibrant neighborhood it is today.
- A unique aspect of Dongri's cultural fabric is its century-old perfume and attar shops, which source oils from Arabian countries such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman.
- As the neighborhood's physical heritage remains uncertain, its spirit continues to thrive, with new generation artists like Munawar Faruqui, Sumaira Shaikh, and rapper Jazzy Nanu redefining Dongri's image, bringing laughter, music, and a new energy to its streets.
- In terms of lifestyle and fashion, Dongri's contemporary vibe can often be found in its rich food scene, with scents of nihari and marigolds filling the air in the morning, and street foods like kachori, jalebi, and halwa being prominent.
