Posted on: 7 May 2010

'A View of Bombay from Malabar Point. Taken on the spot by Lieut-Col. Williamson during the dreadful fire of the night of 17th Feb 1803.'

Coloured aquatint of the fire in Bombay from Malabar Point on the night of 17 February 1803 by J.S. Barth from the drawing by Thomas George Williamson published by R.Cribb on the 5 January 1804. Malabar Point is situated at the tip of Back Bay on the eastern side of Bombay. This view looks towards the fort area of Bombay to the west. Bombay Fort was constructed between 1715 and 1722 under the governorship of Charles Boone.

The original British community lived within the fort area until it was largely destroyed by the devastating fire of 17 February 1803 after which a new town with wider streets was built. Early in the 19th century the area expanded with the construction of several public buildings including the Town Hall (1833), the Mint (1824-29), Customs House and St. Andrew’s Church (1819). With the acceleration of trade and commerce later in the century Mumbai was transformed into a thriving trading port and commercial centre.

Source : British Library


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Here's a brief account of the part played by an officer called Captain Evans of the Royal Navy in trying to put out this fire. "On the occasion of the great fire at Bombay, in Feb. 1803, Captain Evans particularly distinguished himself; having persevered in his endeavours to pull down some buildings until they were literally surrounded with the flames, which left him no other chance of escape than that of leaping from the top of a house already on fire, and afterwards making his way through them. The very great exertions of the navy during that awful conflagration were thus officially acknowledged : " H. M. S. Trident, Bombay Harbour, Feb. 28, 1803. " Sir,—The Honorable the Governor in Council at this Presidency having by letter of the 26th instant, expressed to me the great importance of the vigorous exertions of yourself, officers, and crew, in opposing and finally terminating the progress of the dreadful and destructive fire that lately broke out in this capital, 'tis with much satisfaction I herewith transmit, at their request, a copy of their letter to me on this occasion, and I desire you will be pleased to cause the same to be read to the officers and men of the ship you command. I remain, Sir, &c. (Signed) "peter Rainier."

The Malabar point is at the tip of the malabar hill. It is presently site of the Mumbai Raj Bhawan, home of the governor of Maharashtra.