Matharpacady is a historic village (or gaothan in the local language) in Mazagaon, wedged between R. Naik Road and Champsi Bhimji Road. The Gaothan was settled by the East Indian community more than two centuries ago, or possibly even earlier. Over time, due to the original East Indians migrating to other parts of Mumbai and emigration to foreign countries, various other communities have moved in and made Matharpacady their home.
Typically, staircases are located on the outside. This saved space inside the houses and allowed independent access to tenants living on the first floor. Originally, balconies were open and had a wooden or metal balustrade running around. Over time, some balconies have been enclosed with metal grilles fitted from outside, which allow the space to be utilized for storing plants or serve as an extension of the living quarters.
A view from the west-facing elevation of the Chaunsatha Yogini Temple at Arthuna. Seen here are the plinth of the temple and the partially surviving mulaprasada. The entire mandapa of the temple has fallen.
A view of the profusely carved east-facing elevation of the Chaunsath Yogini temple. The mouldings of the mulaprasada are carved with figural sculptures and geometric patterns, one of the facets that distinguish the temple from other structures within the Arthuna temple complex. The principal niche is empty. Only two tiers of the shikhara of the temple have survived, along with the shukanasa (an embellished panel) which forms the base of the cardinal band in the shikhara.
A view of the Jagati (raised plinth), interspersed with niches, serves as the foundational base upon which the Chaunsath Yogini Temple stands. Most niches of this plinth are empty, unlike a few which contain loose images of goddesses. On the edge of this plinth are the remains of the kakshasana (dwarf walls with seat backs). Most niches of this plinth are empty, unlike a few which contain loose images of goddesses. On the edge of this plinth are the remains of the kakshasana (dwarf walls with seat backs).
On the jagati (raised plinth) of the Chaunsath Yogini Temple there are inscriptions probably of masons who contributed to the construction of the temple. Written in the Devanagari script, a few inscriptions contain names like Mahadeva, Asar and Kesanshi.
A view of the elevation of the Chaunsath Yogini Temple from the north showcases the lost mandapa portion connected to the mulaprasada. The common jagati (plinth or raised platform) of the temple partially survives.
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites in 2018. The Art Deco buildings lie along Maharshi Karve Marg, and they face the Victorian Gothic buildings across the Oval Maidan, which consist of the Public Works Department, Bombay High Court and University Library & Convocation Hall.
Elevation drawings of Palm Court, Oval View and Belvedere Court. The stretch of reclaimed land around Churchgate Station underwent planned development in the 1930s. As a result of strict regulations, Maharshi Karve Marg has a dense concentration of Art Deco buildings, all built in uniform height and use common design idioms.
Elevation drawings of Art Deco buildings along Maharshi Karve Road. Seen here are Queen's Court, Green Fields, Swastik Court and Motabhoy Mansion. These were all built in the 1930s decade, during a flurry of building activity on land reclaimed from the Arabian Sea as part of the Back Bay Land Reclamation Scheme, which started in 1928.