Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Marathi-speaking areas have changed with time

A status check of Mumbai’s five predominant Maharashtrian localities reveals that four have undergone a metamorphosis, while the quaint suburb of Dombivli still manages to retain its old charm.

From village to a modern-day township
Vile Parle, one of the oldest Marathi-speaking suburbs in the city, has undergone a major metamorphosis. A quaint suburb known for its small villas and roads covered with greenery is now a big commercial hub. For many old-time Parleites — as the residents like to be called — the journey has been exciting, even though they have been forced to change their lifestyle.

While Vile Parle (East) is largely inhabited by Maharashtrians, Gujaratis are a majority community on the western side.

Historically a Maharashtrian bastion, change here began with the advent of the domestic airport. With the airport came hotels, shopping centres, eateries and traffic. Old villas made way for high-rises, and roads that were once considered wide, became narrow with the rise in the vehiclular population. Vile Parle developed at a feverish pace, but there was no infrastructure upgradation.

Full report here DNA

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