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.
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.
