CHARACTERS AND THEIR LINKS WITH THE HERITAGE STRUCTURES

1. Samuel Ezekiel Divekar from Shaar Harahamim Synagogue

Sir Samuel was caught and imprisoned by the forces of Tipu Sultan of Mysore. When he feared that his death was near, he prayed with all his heart to be saved from the merciless soldiers and promised to build a place of worship if it had been so. Thus, he built the Shaar Harahamim Synagogue – the oldest synagogue of the Bene Israeli Jewish community of Mumbai, located in the Mandvi locality, on Samuel Street after he was released from captivity and thus plotted his name in the pages of history. Sir Samuel is flaunted in a traditional Israeli outfit with a jacket, trouser, well cut shoes and a hat. He also holds a sword which adds to the persona of the figure.  

2. Firoz Shah from Chauburji Masjid

Firoz Shah Tughlaq has always been known to be a magnificent builder with unconventional architectural design and also considered the father of the irrigation system in India for channelizing rivers to run water through canals to a large part of the country. as he aimed for the prolific development of his kingdom. The Chauburji Masjid was another marvel that he envisioned to be built and added to the Mughal heritage structures. He is adorned in the classic Mughal dress – known as jama with patka sash tied around the waist and pajama style pants. His jewellery is embellished with precious stones as well as his royal turban which is a state of pride for the Mughal sultans.  

3. Duke Fransesco Fosari from Chauburji Masjid

Duke Fransesco Fosari was one of the rare noble families that held a hereditary place in the Great Council of Venice after Serrata (“Closing”) of the Great Council, and had commenced to rise in fame throughout the 14th century. He had been a respected guest of Sultan Firoz Shah for his hunting expeditions also known as ‘Kushk-i-Shikar’. The style of dressing depicted here is an intricately gold detailed velvet gown and an embellished crown adorning his head. Feathers and silver linings are also used to make the outfit look more royal and elegant.  

4. Ruttonshi Mulji Jetha Fountain

Ruttonshi Mulji Jetha Fountain is a listed heritage structure erected in the year 1894 commissioned by Ruttonshi Mulji who was a cotton merchant and desired to honor the death of his only son who took his last breath at the age of 5. The statue of the small boy atop the fountain epitomizes the small boy namely Dharamsi Mulji. The dressing style here is kept simple with a dhoti-kurta combination though the figurine is showcased in a statue form.  

5. Zainab from the Hanuman Temple

Zainab is a 21^st century teenage Muslim girl who visits the Hanuman Temple with her friend Aisha and discovers significant information of how the Hanuman Temple came into being. She was enthralled with the architecture and how the structure still holds its glory. She has been depicted here in a modern sense of style with a hijab and a salwar combo.      

The views, information, or opinions expressed above are solely those of the author(s) involved and do not necessarily represent those held by India Lost & Found and its creative community.

Hi, I’m Sayani Paul…