Mumbai’s historic Kipling Bungalow at Sir J J School of Art, Architecture and Design is set for a new chapter. The 144-year-old heritage structure, which once served as the residence of the institute’s principals, deans and directors, is being transformed into a cultural destination after years of deterioration. Read on to know more about it.
144-Year-Old Kipling Bungalow To Transform Into A Cultural Spot
According to a report by The Indian Express, the Maharashtra government has extended ₹10 crore in financial support for the project, which will turn the bungalow and its nearly 1.5-acre surroundings into a space featuring four art exhibition spaces, an amphitheatre, landscaped areas and venues for performances and public events.
The aim is to build a cultural hub for Mumbai’s art community along the lines of Bikaner House in Delhi, a former royal residence that has developed into a renowned centre for art and culture. Originally known as the Dean’s Bungalow, the wood-and-brick structure reflects the architectural character of colonial Bombay. It later became popularly known as Kipling Bungalow because of its connection with author Rudyard Kipling, who was born on the School of Art campus in 1865. His father, artist and educator John Lockwood Kipling, was the institution’s first dean.
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The History Of Mumbai’s Kipling Bungalow
The existing bungalow, however, was constructed in 1882, nearly two decades after Rudyard Kipling’s birth. A bronze bust of the author currently stands on the porch, which is now being envisioned as a performing arts space. Prof. Him Chatterjee, Vice Chancellor of the institution, told the portal that the idea gained momentum after he took charge last year and discovered that the bungalow, despite being referred to as the Dean’s residence, was no longer suitable for living due to its poor condition and lack of basic facilities.
His discussions with Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal eventually led to the idea of creating a cultural centre inspired by Bikaner House. The first of the four planned galleries has already opened in what were once the servants’ quarters. The space, created by removing partitions between several small rooms, currently hosts Swaraj, an exhibition drawn from the university’s archives featuring works from the 1940s to the 1960s, including early works by artists such as V S Gaitonde, Jatin Das and M S Talwalkar.
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Prof Chatterjee believes the centre can also become an extension of the classroom, giving students opportunities to interact with artists, explore different art forms and participate in cultural exchanges beyond the institute’s academic spaces.
Have you ever seen this iconic bungalow in Mumbai?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Did Kipling live in India?
Yes, Rudyard Kipling lived in India during his early childhood and again as a young man working as a journalist.