The story is about Breach Candy, a high-end neighbourhood in South Mumbai. It’s a place with a rich history and many stories. Let’s walk back in time to understand how this place became famous.
Breach Candy, with its iconic name, got its moniker from the rocky coastline that had a narrow gap. It was a natural breach in the rocks. This gap was called “khind” in local language, which means a pass. So here we have the meaning of Breach Candy, a pass through the rocks.
Initially, this place was not a developed area. It was a wasteland. The high tides of the Arabian Sea and the monsoon rains would submerge the landmass. The sea level would rise and the wasteland would be invisible. The land was divided into smaller islands. The British were in charge of Bombay at the time. They wanted to reclaim the entire island of Bombay for development and built an embankment.
The name Breach Candy is also linked with what is called “The Great Breach” which was a connection between the sea and the huge expanse of land. You can actually see the embankment today. It’s called Lala Lajpat Rai Marg. It starts at the Kinara Masjid and ends at the NSCI Sports Club.
This embankment is a crucial part of Mumbai’s history. It helped reclaim the land and pave the way for the development of the city. Breach Candy is a thriving neighbourhood today. It is also home to a popular club where the English used to have exclusive access.
The Breach Candy Club was established in 1875 as a haven for the British. It is a well-known marker of social status. At the time, the club was open just to the Europeans. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Indians were permitted to join the club, but only as guests. Since then, the club has become a symbol of elegance and opulence.
As you walk down the streets of Breach Candy, you might see the remains of colonial architecture, like the old houses, hinting at the area’s rich history. It’s a place where history lives on, reminding us of the past.