Was I. C. Colony always the bustling suburb we see today? I will tell you the story of I. C. Colony. It is a locality in Borivali in north-west Mumbai. I. C. Colony covers about 25 hectares. That is roughly 62 acres.
I. C. Colony is known for its high concentration of Christians. Roman Catholics, in particular, call this place home. The name I. C. Colony comes from the Church of the Immaculate Conception. You will find this church near the South Eastern entrance of the colony.
Let’s talk about the extended Catholic area here. It includes Holy Cross Colony and its extension. This area stretches beyond I. C. Colony. It goes towards Dahisar. Dahisar is Mumbai’s last zone before you hit Thane district.
Did you know that I. C. Colony once had many old mansions? Sadly, most have been replaced by newer apartment buildings. The postal code for I. C. Colony is 400103. Keep that in mind if you are planning to send a letter.
I. C. Colony offers easy access to many important routes. These include the Link Road and S. V. Road. You can also reach Gorai-Manori-Uttan beaches easily. The Western Express Highway and Western Railway Line are close by. The new Mumbai Metro Line 2A adds to the convenience.
Now, a bit about the I. C. Church. It is one of Mumbai’s oldest churches. The Franciscans built it way back in 1547 AD. A Franciscan friar named Antonio Do Porto once owned Mount Poinsur village. The Franciscans expanded their holdings. They bought Pare and Arrangal villages around 1556-1559 AD.
The Franciscans did more than just build a church. They constructed a Royal College and Monastery in 1549. You can still see the ruins near the present church. The Franciscans even used the Mandapeshwar Caves as a crypt. Later, these caves served the parishioners.
Around 1630, the parish included about 1500 people. They lived in Mount Poinsur, Dhainsa, Simpor, Canary, and Cassor. The church’s name changed around this time. It went from “Our Lady of Piety” to “Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.”
The Maratha invasion of 1739 brought tough times. Mount Poinsur was captured. The Franciscans scattered. The church, friary, and college were looted. They fell into ruin. For 150 years, the structures crumbled further. In 1888, the community rebuilt the church. Fr Joao Bras Fernandes led the effort. He was the Dean of Thane. The rebuilt church stands to this day.
Today, the parish is the second most populated in Mumbai. I. C. Colony also has a Marathi-speaking Protestant church. It is called the Methodist Marathi Church Borivali. Several well-known schools are in I. C. Colony. These include Saint Francis D’Assisi High School and Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School. Vibgyor High School is also here. Plus, I. C. Colony boasts Mumbai’s biggest pet park.
I. C. Colony is more than just a residential area. It is a vibrant community. It has a rich history and diverse culture. From its humble beginnings to its modern amenities, I. C. Colony offers something for everyone. Remember its history as you explore its streets. Think about the people who shaped this unique corner of Mumbai.