The BDD Chawls project (1920-30) is often remembered as a failed experiment in workers’ housing. Conceived as a welfare initiative, it gradually underwent significant socio-spatial transformations and is now increasingly being reimagined for middle-class habitation. Each chawl within the BDD complex developed a distinct culture along with caste and religious composition, shaping everyday social relations and neighbourhood identities. BDD also gained prominence as a hub of both traditional and modern sporting cultures, fostering local talent and a strong sense of community pride. At the same time, the area frequently witnessed caste- and religion-based communal tensions, reflecting broader urban and political currents in Mumbai. At our Online Talk, #BDDChawls, historian and professor Dr Babasaheb Kambale will explore the past, present, and future of the BDD Chawls neighbourhood.
About the speaker:
Babasaheb Kambale is the Head and Assistant Professor of History at Satish Pradhan Dnyanasadhana College, Thane. He holds an MA, M.Phil., and PhD from the University of Mumbai. His research interests include Modern South Asian history, labour history, urban history, caste studies, and sports history. He has presented his research at major national and international academic forums, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Göttingen. He has been the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and grants, including the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship, the Asiatic Society Labour Fellowship, the Inlaks Research Travel Grant, the Volkswagen Foundation Grant, and the Navayana Dalit History Fellowship for his forthcoming book. His scholarly work has appeared in Economic and Political Weekly, and he has also authored a book, edited a volume, and undertaken translations from Marathi into English.
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