“Ratify the agreement”

Following Phiroze Javeri’s letter ("Ratify the agreement,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, July 21, 2012) regarding the conservation of the Parsi Lying-in Hospital, I would like to reiterate the historical and architectural significance of the building premises. Designed and constructed under the superintendence of noted engineer Khan Bahadur Muncherji Cowasji Murzban (1839-1917), the Hospital, completed in 1895, is a fine example of the combination of the Gothic Revival and Oriental styles of architecture. The intricately carved panels at the entrance, the Minton tiled flooring, the marble blocks recording donations to the Hospital, are all welcome and wonderful reminders of a built environment and heritage of which Bombay’s citizenry can be proud.

(Top): Parsi Lying-In Hospital Photo: Jasmine D. Driver; (below): original Minton tiles replaced and defaced

You may have noticed, the old Minton tiling is similar to the kind found at the Bombay University Library, Elphin­stone College and other imposing structures in the Fort. Typically, the entrance areas have more delicate patterns, where smaller colorful tiles have been fitted together. As we proceed inwards, both in the case of the University and the Hospital, broader patterns are used, no doubt partly having kept expenses in mind.

I was saddened to notice that the flooring at the entrance to the Hospital has been partly replaced with concrete and a stretch of corridor on the ground floor has acquired new maroon tiling. It would be a shame to lose any more of the premise’s grandeur. I do hope any plans for redevelopment would preserve the architectural integrity of the entire premises, not only its outside shell.

SIMIN PATEL

siminpatel@yahoo.com