This district covers Byculla, Parel, Worli, Prabhadevi, and Dadar areas of Bombay.
It started its modern history as a sort of backyard to South Bombay. In the late 19th century, many industries, especially textile mills, relocated here. The industries naturally attracted migrant labour from all parts of the country, but mostly from Maharashtra and its Konkan region. The influence of this migration is still seen today and the district is considered the home of Marathi culture in the city.
In the 70s and 80s, high labour costs, industrial unrest, and the exorbitant price of land caused the closure of many industries and the district consequently went into a decline. Over the past two decades, the decrepit old mill area has regenerated into swanky office complexes. You will find many BPO operations, advertising agencies, film production houses, and banks here. Many old textile mills have given way to enormous malls like High Street Phoenix. Much of what is happening in Mumbai today is happening here, with the newest, largest malls Atria, Phoenix, clubs Shiro, Hard Rock, hotels ITC, Four Seasons, and restaurants Olive.
