The Diverse Communities of Mumbai | A Conversation with Dr Kurush Dalal

By Anurag

In this conversation with independent researcher Anurag Shinde, Dr Kurush Dalal presents the city and its people through the eyes of someone who has keenly observed Bombay and later, Mumbai, for most of his life—and through the many lenses of a resident, a teacher, an archaeologist, a historian and a culinary anthropologist.

Dr. Dalal begins with his own memories of growing up, reflecting on the many ways the city has evolved over the past decades. He delves deeper into the character of Mumbai and its diverse communities, sharing stories that reveal the syncretic cultural and religious practices of its people, as well as the gaps in the city's popular narratives. Lastly, the conversation explores the tapestry of food traditions and the lack of representation of certain cuisines that are fast disappearing from public space. The interview ends with his views on Mumbai’s cultural heritage that deserves preserving and protecting and his thoughts on what is truly an invention of the city—the essence of Mumbai that has held true.

About Dr Dalal

Dr. Kurush Dalal is an archaeologist, historian, and culinary anthropologist. He has a BA from the University of Mumbai, an MA in Archaeology, and a PhD on the Early Iron Age in Rajasthan, both from Deccan College, Pune University. Subsequently, he shifted his focus to the Early Mediaeval Period, primarily on the West Coast of India, and excavated the sites of Sanjan, Chandore, and Mandad. Dr. Dalal also actively works on Memorial Stones and Ass-curse Stones in India, and dabbles in Numismatics, Defence Archaeology, Architecture, Ethnoarchaeology, and allied disciplines. He has published more than 35 papers and read many more at national and international seminars.