What’s in a name? In Mumbai, probably a tree

Parel, the thriving commercial district, is named after Bignonia Suaveolens or trumpet flower, which was once found in the area.

Even as Mumbai today battles a depleting green cover, not many residents know that most of the prominent locations in the city are named after trees, by its earliest settlers — the nature-worshipping Kolis.

Parel, the thriving commercial district, is named after Bignonia Suaveolens or trumpet flower, which was once found in the area. The plant, Patal in Sanskrit, was called Padel by Kolis, which gave way to Parel.

“The earliest place names in the Bombay island group appear to be of Koli origin; they were Koliwadis identified in their locations by tree name or some native element, as the Kolis were essentially nature and tree worshipers,” reads the Greater Bombay District Gazette, compiled by the British.

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Dontad street in Dongri, is named after the Palymra or Brab Palm. A group of these trees in the area made people refer it as Sattad or Dontad, as it now known, says the Gazette.

Chinch Bandar near Masjid draws its name from the tamarind trees that dotted the seashore. Bhendi Bazaar takes its name from the plantations of Bhendi in the locality.

“A little westward of this location adjoining the Khadi along its banks were a couple of Ficus Glomerata, or Umbar, that has given the name Umbarkhadi or Omarkhadi,” the Gazette reads.

Fanasvadi in Kalbadevi draws its name from thickly grown plantations of various trees, such as the Artocarpus Integrifolia, or jackfruit. A thick plantation of Acacia Arabica or Babul, over which a shrine was later built, came to be known as Babulnath. A grove of Odina Wodier Colloquillu, locally called Kambal, gave way to what is now Cumballa Hill. The Tad palms below the hill of Cumballa became Tardeo.

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The Gazette adds that the name Byculla, too, has been derived from a tree.“It is opined that the name Cassia fistula, called Bhava or Bhaya, may have combined with the word Khala or level ground to give the name Bhaykhala,” the Gazette says.

A tamarind-covered valley a little further down came to be known as Chinchpokli.

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Zeeshan Shaikh

Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More

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