About the project

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is home to diverse communities and natural ecosystems and has a continuously evolving cultural environment. In recent times, rapid urbanization has influenced and threatened the cultural identities of communities in the region. The process of documentation and archiving plays a vital role in preserving information on our cultural heritage. With this intention, the project begins with a focus on the Kolis and the East Indians; two among the several indigenous and migrant communities—the Agris, Bhandaris, Warlis, Katkaris, Khojas, Pathare Prabhus, Bene Israelis and others—who have inhabited the islands for many centuries. MMR consists of nine Municipal corporations; covering the districts of Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban and parts of Thane, Raigad and Palghar. The documentation falls within the domains of Built environment, Personal Histories, Language and Literature, People and Cultures, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Natural Environment. The project works with field researchers and photographers to create modules that consist of essays, photo essays, image galleries and video interviews.