Arthur Crawford: The man who gave Mumbai its first big market

Updated on: 23 November,2017 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai
Krutika Behrawala |

Historian Dr Vijaya Gupchup will introduce Mumbaikars to the municipal commissioner who gave the city its first big market. Here's what you should know about him

Meet the man: Arthur Travers Crawford was the first Municipal Commissioner of Bombay (1865-71), who was also a member of the Indian Civil Service in the Bombay Presidency.

Crawford market

Public welfare: Crawford was an energetic town planner, ably supported by Governor Bartle Frere. He was keen to build an extensive market for the city and arranged for a competition of market designs.

Plaque Depicting Agriculture

Market value: William Emerson won the design competition for the market, because it was believed to be most feasible for the city's climate. The corner site was picked to ensure accessibility to the Black (Indian) and White (British) Towns of the original island city, as well as because of its proximity to the railway station and the intersection of main roads.

Arthur Crawford

Accountability: According to history books, Crawford, in his zeal to improve the conditions of the city, ended up using money to manipulate accounts, leading to people losing faith in him. He was charged on 33 counts, from corruption to borrowing money from subordinates.

Plaque with the Commemorative Tympanum