Gazing out at the Mumbai Harbour, do you see that heavily fortified island? That is Oyster Rock. It stands as a silent sentinel in the Mumbai Harbour. Oyster Rock is more than just a pile of rock. It is an islet steeped in history and naval significance.
Oyster Rock is owned and heavily fortified by the Indian Navy. For a brief period, it even served as a naval museum. Imagine sailors standing along the island’s perimeter. They present a guard of honor. They fire a 21-gun salute when the Admiral of The Fleet sails in or out. It’s a powerful display of naval tradition.
In 2008, there was a proposal to transform Oyster Rock. The Mumbai Port Trust wanted to establish an International Cruise Terminal. However, the Indian Navy denied permission in 2009. Security concerns after the 2008 Mumbai attacks were the reason.
Let’s turn our gaze towards Sassoon Docks. It is one of Mumbai’s oldest docks, dating back to 1875. This is also where you can catch a glimpse of Oyster Rock in the distance. Sassoon Docks was Bombay’s first wet dock. Albert Abdullah David Sassoon’s company owned it. He was the son of David Sassoon. David was a Baghdadi Jew. He also led the Jewish community in Bombay. Sassoon Docks boosted the cotton trade. It encouraged the construction of Prince’s Dock.
The docks are a vibrant hub of activity. It is one of the largest fish markets in Mumbai. The air is filled with the smell of the sea and the shouts of vendors. You can find a wide variety of fish here. Surmai and pomfret are among them.
In 2017, Sassoon Dock experienced an artistic transformation. Thirty artists from around the world created street art. It turned the docks into an open-air exhibition. The St+art Urban Art Festival brought color to the 142-year-old structure. A second art exhibition took place from December 2022 to February 2023.
Looking back at Oyster Rock, remember its strategic importance. It is a reminder of Mumbai’s maritime past and present. It is a silent witness to the city’s ever-changing story. The island stands as a testament to security. It reflects tradition in the heart of Mumbai’s bustling harbor.