Aarey metro carshed: Project will lead to loss of historical remains, artefact, say archaeologists

The findings of the study, which is a part of an archaeological exploration project by the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies (CEMS), the Centre for Archaeology, University of Mumbai and the Sathaye College, was unveiled at a seminar Saturday at the university’s Kalina campus.

While revealing the findings of the team, Vinayak Parab, who led the team of six, said, “We have discovered several structural remains from the area which are now being worshipped as local deities or Gaondevis. A study of these findings will give us valuable information about the history of Mumbai during the Shilahara period.”

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The team had, for over a year now, been scouting for relics and artefact in Mulund, Bhandup, Nahur, Vidyavihar, Sion and Kurla.

“Within Aarey, we could survey only seven padas owing to the paucity of time,” said Parab. These include Ultanpada, Bangoda, Maroshipada, Mataipada, Khambachapada, Charandevpada and Keltipada.

“But we must admit that a considerable part of our findings came from Aarey,” said Parab, adding that more such temple remnants and relics can be found in the area.

“Aarey’s proximity to Marol, which became the capital of the Shilahara kingdom after Mahim, makes it a place of historical importance,” he said.

According to Parab, there are many archaeological remains behind the Ganpati temple between Aarey and Marol as well. However, if the metro car shed for the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro III, as planned by the state government, comes up in Aarey, the historical data could be lost to construction and development.

“We will urge the government to not take up the project until an exhaustive archaeological survey of the area is done,” he said.

When asked how much time such a survey would take, he said, “It depends on the dedication and the number of people in the team. If the government takes up a survey, with sufficient number of people, the work could be done in two months.”

The team will soon write to the government about the historical importance of the area. Mugdha Karnik, director, CEMS, said, “We will write to the state government about the findings of the team and apprise them of the importance of Aarey. There is a lot of scope for further study in the area.”

The environmentalists, too, have opposed the project claiming it will affect the biodiversity of the area.