One of the original seven islands of Bombay, Mazagon by itself has a rich past that seems to have gotten lost over time. Recently, this writer came across a book that throws light on its glorious origins with meticulous detail. Titled My Own Mazagon (Indus Source Books), Captain Ramesh Babu’s book is a hat tip to this part of the city that was ruled by the British, and Portuguese before them, and was originally inhabited by the Kolis, Bhandaris and Agris.

A seat of education and once the preferred address for the rich and famous, Mazagon’s remarkable timeline gets its due and will wow and amaze, thanks to the anecdote-filled chapters. The retired captain of the Indian Navy and Mazagon Dock weaves a fascinating set of chapters, and readers — even those who aren’t necessarily history buffs — will be introduced to cool episodes, whether it is about Sir David Sassoon’s palatial mansion Sans Souci that became today’s Masina Hospital, the charming origins of Matharpacady, and the culinary exploits of Baker Lane. The chronicles of how Meena Kumari and Rattanbai Jinnah were laid to rest in Mazagon also make for engaging reads. The chapter about the world-famous Mazagon Dock will fascinate those keen to know about the early days of India’s and the city’s shipbuilding history. Whatever be your area of interest, we’re sure you will fall in love with Mazagon with this keepsake about this once-prized neighbourhood.