Kristian Bertel | Photography
Archive story
In this archive story we are visiting the Crawford Market in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer.
A man near the Crawford Market in Mumbai, India. Crawford Market is located in the heart of South Mumbai and it is the main market of Mumbai, where you get everything like vegetables, fruits, fish and mutton. The building, completed in 1869, was donated to the city by Cowasji Jehangir. After India's independence, the market was renamed after Maharashtrian social reformer, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.
A man near the Crawford Market in Mumbai, India. Crawford Market is located in the heart of South Mumbai and it is the main market of Mumbai, where you get everything like vegetables, fruits, fish and mutton. The building, completed in 1869, was donated to the city by Cowasji Jehangir. After India's independence, the market was renamed after Maharashtrian social reformer, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.
Kristian Bertel, Photographer By Kristian Bertel, Photographer
– Updated on March 22, 2024

Crawford Market in Mumbai

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai popularly known by its former name Crawford Market is one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. Originally named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city, the market was later renamed to honour Mahatma Jotirao Phule after a long struggle.




What are animal rights?

Animal rights is the philosophy according to which some or all, animals are entitled to the possession of their own existence and that their most basic interests such as the need to avoid suffering should be afforded the same consideration as similar interests of human beings.


Jotiba Phule Market, India
The market is situated opposite the Mumbai Police headquarters, just north of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station and west of the J.J. flyover at a busy intersection. The market houses a wholesale fruit, vegetable and poultry market. One end of the market is a pet store with different varieties of dogs, cats and birds can be found in this area and also, endangered species are illegally sold there. Most of the sellers inside the market sell imported items such as foods, cosmetics, household and gift items and it was the main wholesale market for fruits in Mumbai until March 1996, when the wholesale traders were relocated to Navi Mumbai also known as New Bombay.

One can buy a variety of things in and around Crawford Market. Some of them are ready-to-stitch clothes, dress material, Chinese toys, party products, artificial jewelry, travel bags, fruits and vegetables, shoes, belts and cake making and decorating equipment and toiletries. Also, varieties of electrical light fittings and carpentry fittings are available. This monument earlier known as Crawford Market was completed in 1869. It was originally named after the Arthur Crawford who was the first Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai and the name was later changed to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai in honour of a great social reformer of Maharashtra. It was the first building in India to be lit up by electricity in 1882 and the structure was designed by William Emerson and was donated to the city by Cowasji Jehangir.

It used to be main wholesale market of Mumbai till a major portion of it was shifted to Navi Mumbai. It still sells a lot of items like cosmetics, household items, food items and gift items. Many Mumbaikar's still throng to this market for their first choice of shopping for some unique items. Before there were malls, all glitzy but soulless, there was Crawford Market, which now is known as Jotiba Phule Market or Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market. Rows of shops in concentric circles display fresh market produce and other necessities such as dry fruit, toiletries, bags and pans all find place under one roof at the best prices in the city. The atmosphere is priceless.

"- Very reasonable rates and fresh vegetables makes it a best combination for the Nagpurians", the Photographer says.




"Animal rights is the idea in which some or all, non-human animals are entitled to the possession of their own existence and that their most basic interests such as the need to avoid suffering and should be afforded the same consideration as similar interests of human beings. That is, animals have the right to be treated as the individuals they are, with their own desires and needs, rather than as unfeeling property"




Animal rights at the Jotiba
There have been incidents of illegal sale of animals at the Jotiba and police has to keep a strict vigil and ensure that the illegal sale of animals by pet shops in the market is stopped. Animal welfare and rights in India regards the treatment of and laws concerning non-human animals in India. It is distinct from animal conservation in India. India is home to several religious traditions advocating non-violence and compassion towards animals and has passed a number of animal welfare reforms since 1960.

India is also one of the world's leading producers of animal products. A saying once depicted that happiness in this world and the next is difficult to obtain without much love for the 'Dhamma', much self-examination, much respect, much fear of evil and much enthusiasm. Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi also known as the 'Ashoka', speaks thus. Animals were declared to be protected – 'Parrots', 'Mainas', 'Aruna', 'Geese', 'Wild ducks', 'Nandimukhas', 'Gelatas', 'Bats', 'Queen ants', 'Terrapins', 'Boneless fish', 'Vedareyaka', 'Gangapuputaka', 'Sankiya fish', 'Tortoises', 'Porcupines', 'Squirrels', 'Deer', 'Bulls', 'Okapinda', 'Wild asses', 'Wild pigeons', 'Domestic pigeons' and all 4-footed creatures that are neither useful nor edible.

"- As a passionate traveler, I have always sought experiences that immerse me in the culture and traditions of the places I visit. India, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, had long been on my bucket list. Little did I know that my trip would lead me to discover a world both mesmerizing and thought-provoking – the animal markets of India. Awakening my senses, I stepped into a bustling landscape far removed from my familiar surroundings. The air was filled with a symphony of bleating, chirping, and mooing, while vibrant hues enveloped me from every angle. I found myself immediately captivated by the animal markets of India", the Photographer says again.

"- The markets were a lively spectacle, bustling with energy as buyers and sellers engaged in spirited negotiations. Sellers showcased an array of creatures, from colorful birds to docile goats and boisterous pigs. Buyers, often adorned in traditional attire, eagerly scrutinized the animals, haggling vigorously over prices. It was a dance of commerce as animated as it was fascinating. As I delved deeper into the animal markets, I began to comprehend their profound cultural significance in India. These vibrant hubs embodied an age-old connection between humans and animals, integral to many communities' subsistence. It reminded me of India's agricultural heritage and emphasized the role of animals in rural livelihoods", the Photographer says again.




"My journey through India's animal markets also prompted reflections on the balance between conservation and commercialization. India, with its incredible biodiversity, has made significant strides in wildlife protection, yet these markets revealed an intersection where conservation efforts often met economic necessity. It compelled me to ponder the delicate equilibrium required to safeguard both animal welfare and the livelihoods of people dependent on these markets"





See this video about Crawford Market in Mumbai made by Curly Tales.




"- However, my admiration for the vitality of the markets often collided with ethical concerns. I couldn't help but wonder about the welfare and treatment of the animals on display. While most vendors demonstrated deep care for their animals, others operated under questionable conditions, raising larger ethical dilemmas. Traveling through animal markets often meant stepping into a time capsule, revealing traditional practices once prevalent throughout India. Stepping away from India's animal markets, I felt an array of emotions and thoughts swirling within me. My journey had highlighted the complex relationship between humans and animals, tied to centuries-old customs, economic realities and evolving perspectives.

The vibrant markets, while raising numerous ethical challenges, left an indelible impression on me as a traveler seeking to understand the diverse world we share"
, the Photographer says again.

Read also:  Rana Mahal Ghat in Varanasi



Rana Mahal Ghat in Varanasi


Read also:  Rana Mahal Ghat in Varanasi

More archive stories

India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of an Indian man in Mumbai. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.

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