Dhobitalao (धोबीतलाव, "Washerman's Lake") is a neighborhood in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in India. Located in the South Mumbai area at an elevation of 11 m (31 ft), it used to be a location where linen was washed. In British times, dhobis used to wash the British soldiers clothes' here. It was filled up in the mid-17th century as the city began to expand. The lake used to be fed by a number of underground freshwater springs, which were recently uncovered while constructing the subway in the locality.

Dhobitalao
neighbourhood
Parsi Hospital at Dhobitalao
Parsi Hospital at Dhobitalao
Dhobitalao is located in Mumbai
Dhobitalao
Dhobitalao
Coordinates: 18°56′36″N 72°49′43″E / 18.9433°N 72.8286°E / 18.9433; 72.8286
CountryIndia
StateMaharashtra
DistrictMumbai City
MetroMumbai
Zone1
WardA and C
Government
 • BodyMCGM
Elevation
11 m (36 ft)
Languages
 • OfficialMarathi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
400 002
Lok Sabha constituencyMumbai South
Vidhan Sabha constituencyMumbadevi
Civic agencyMCGM

A public library stands over the land that was the lake. Just off the current site, is the famous Metro Adlabs (formerly Metro Cinema).

The Framjee Cowasjee hall is built over the Framjee Cowasjee tank

The north-eastern part of Dhobitalao is called Cavel, from the Koli name Kolwar. The Kolis of this village were converted to Christianity by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Cavel became a Christian enclave, and later immigrants of this religion, from Goa, Daman, Bassein and Salsette settled here. Other Christian enclaves in Dhobitalao are Sonapur and Dabul.[1]

Dhobitalao is home to the highest number of kudds, Goan clubs that house migrants from Goan villages seeks opportunities and employment in Mumbai.[2]

Institutions

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References

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  1. ^ "A tale of three villages". Mid-day. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  2. ^ "A story of love, longing and jazz in 1960s Bombay". Quartz. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2022.