Grose's Plan of Bombay
1750
Watercolour on paper

John Henry Grose was a writer and a covenanted servant of the East India Company. He came to Mumbai (Bombay) in the year 1750 in one of the East Indiamen and published his account “Voyages to the East Indies” in two parts in 1772. His plan is invaluable as every street within the walls of the Fort of Bombay is laid down and is accompanied by a scale of feet.

The Museum’s collection of historical maps of Mumbai illustrate the city’s evolution from a group of seven islands into a vibrant urban centre in the 19th century. Changes in geography as a result of invasions, economic booms and planning are carefully chronicled.