Page 40 - The Tale of Two Fountains

THE TALE OF TWO FOUNTAINS
Crawford Market elevation
The provision of free fresh drinking water was an important mission in the 19th and 20th centu- ries in Bombay. Many drinking fountains were built to commemorate loved ones and usual- ly had a plaque with the name of the person in whose memory it was built. Normally lion heads were used as spouts with embellishments and basins below. These structures were built in different materials and architectural styles and were distinct on their own. They vary from mon- umental to modest scale. Some of these drink- ing fountains were principally built for the citi- zens of Bombay as a generous gift from wealthy people. According to the Indian tradition, offer- ing free water to any needy person is considered to be a worthy act or ‘punya Karma’ or good deed as mentioned in some religious teachings8.
The re-development of Bombay in the 19th cen- tury is attributed to the loyalty shown to the British by the Parsi, Jewish and other mercantile families of the city. The Parsis, with their strong belief in philanthropy, played a significant role in the development of Bombay.
The spectacular Crawford Market, named after Arthur Crawford, is one of Mumbai’s most fa- mous Markets. The building is a fusion of Nor- man and Gothic architecture. It was completed in 1869 and is now known as the Mahatma Jyo- tiba Phule Market. It was donated to the city by the rich Parsi philanthropist and industrialist, Sir Cowasji Jehangir (1812–1878). The building was the first in India to be lit up with electricity – in 18829.
Sir Cowasji Jehangir, ‘Readymoney’, came from a wealthy cash-rich Parsi family who had worked as a Banker to various British clients. Hence this nickname was adopted as a surname by the fam- ily. He was believed to have bequeathed forty drinking fountains locally known as ‘pyaavs’ to the city.
Pyaav or drinking water fountain, Mumbai
30