The Story of Gillian Tindall: A Biographer Who Unveiled Mumbai’s Soul

When Gillian Tindall’s book, City of Gold: The Biography of Bombay, hit the shelves of Mumbai’s bookstores in 1982, it was like a breath of fresh air for the city’s eager readers. After all, it had been over three decades since a comprehensive biography of Mumbai was published— the last one dating back to 1949. Tindall’s work took readers on an engaging journey through the city’s vibrant history, spanning over 300 years. Although her narrative stops at around 1900, the book is filled with her thoughts on Mumbai’s growth into the 20th century and her insightful predictions about its future.

Richly illustrated, City of Gold served as a visual feast, showcasing images of Mumbai that were hard to come by before the internet made such archives accessible. The book captured a Mumbai of the late ’70s and early ’80s in a way that was both nostalgic and enlightening. Many locals found it to be their first in-depth read about their beloved city. Sidharth Bhatia, who recently published his biography of Mumbai, still cherishes his first encounter with City of Gold:

“I picked it up at the Strand Book Stall and it changed how I viewed my city,” he recalls. The cover, designed by Jose Maria Gonsalves, portrayed familiar buildings, yet the people in them seemed unrecognizable. Tindall’s book became a guide for him, leading him to discover the streets of his childhood anew.

Though City of Gold aims for a general audience, it has become essential reading for historians and scholars alike. Noted historian Dinyar Patel remarked, “It was one of the first books I read as I began pursuing a PhD in Indian history. The more I learn about the city, the more I appreciate Tindall’s thorough research.” While it primarily focuses on a European perspective of Mumbai’s early history, it’s a treasure trove for anyone interested in the city.

Gillian Tindall became part of a long tradition of city biographers. Interestingly, she might not have been aware of the earlier chronicle by Mahomed Ghyasoodeen, who wrote Jaan-e Mumbai (The Soul of Mumbai) in Persian back in 1817. Similarly, other landmarks in Mumbai biographical literature include Govind Narayan’s Mumbaiche Varnan from 1863 and SD Dewanjina’s Mumbaino Bhomiyo in 1867.

Despite these historical roots, Tindall is well-acquainted with later writers such as JM Maclean and James Douglas. Her journey into urban biography began unexpectedly. Initially trained as an architect, Tindall started her writing career as a novelist in 1959, eventually diving into biographies. Her acclaimed works on Paris and London are often compared to the love Mumbaikars have for City of Gold.

But what drew her to Mumbai? The city’s rich colonial history and captivating 19th-century architecture likely caught her attention. Tindall had already immersed herself in the city’s stories through research even before she landed in Mumbai in the late ’70s. She was well-versed with several historical works about the city and many of its newspapers from the 19th century.

During her time in Mumbai, Tindall explored places that many later historians struggled to access. For instance, she vividly recalls visiting the home of Mahomed Ali Rogay, one of the city’s early opium traders, located in bustling Bhendi Bazaar. She noted, “The house is still there, occupied by the Rogays.” These kinds of firsthand experiences became invaluable in her narrative.

Interestingly, Gillian Tindall wrote another book on Mumbai, albeit one that hasn’t garnered as much attention as City of Gold. The novella The China Egg, published a year earlier in 1981, follows an English lady’s journey to adopt an Indian child. Blending fiction with travel memoir, Tindall offers glimpses of Mumbai’s historical sites and everyday realities.

Her enthusiasm for the city is palpable from her very first impression: “As the plane descended, it seemed like I was nearing another world. On the hillside, I spotted not lichen, but lives—humans residing in shanties.” Such descriptions encapsulate her ability to convey the city’s complexities and beauty.

Tindall also nurtured meaningful friendships during her time in Mumbai. One of her notable connections was with bookseller Rafique Baghdadi, who remembers how she influenced the way he viewed architecture. Even after her departure, she remained in touch with Mumbaikars who valued her insights and contributions.

In her extensive literary career, which spanned more than six decades, Tindall authored nearly 40 books across genres. Although she visited Mumbai periodically, her heart and roots were deeply tied to this vibrant city.

Was Tindall’s arrival a turning point in Mumbai’s local history and heritage preservation movement? Her acknowledgment of Father John Correa-Afonso in her book, who founded the Bombay Local History Society in 1979, suggests a deeper connection.

As we celebrate Gillian Tindall, it would be fitting for the Bombay Local History Society to honour her legacy through an annual lecture on urban biography and history.

In remembering her journey, we also recognize the countless stories she unveiled about Mumbai, shaping how we perceive our beloved city today.

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