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Sharada Dwivedi (c. 1942 – 6 February 2012) was a renowned Indian author, historian, and researcher known for her extensive work on the history and culture of India, especially Mumbai. She made significant contributions to the field of heritage conservation and authored several notable books that document the rich history and architecture of Mumbai. Read more to know about the author Sharada Dwivedi and her life story.
Table of Contents
| Overview of Sharada Dwivedi | |
| Name | Sharada Dwivedi |
| Born | c. 1942, Bombay, India |
| Education | Queen Mary School, Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics, University of Mumbai |
| Degree | Library Science, University of Mumbai |
| Reference work in Paris | |
| Literary Works | “Bombay, the Cities Within” (1995), “Almond Eyes, Lotus Feet” |
| Conservation Roles | Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee, Urban Design Research Institute |
| Interests | Victorian-era Mumbai, Art Deco stylings |
| Died | 6th February 2012, Mumbai, India |
Sharada Dwivedi, born in c. 1942 in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- She completed her schooling at Queen Mary School in Mumbai.
- She pursued higher education at Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics, University of Mumbai, where she graduated with a degree in commerce.
- Dwivedi furthered her studies by obtaining a degree in the subject of Library Science, followed by specialized training in Paris in reference work.
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Sharada Dwivedi’s career was led by her deep fascination with Mumbai’s history and architecture.
- Her research began in the 1980s with the history of South Bombay’s Taj Mahal Hotel.
- This extensive research led to the publication of a weekly column on the history of the city, co-authored with Rahul Mehrotra, an architect by profession, which eventually culminated in “Bombay, the Cities Within” (1995) book.
- This book is mostly regarded as an “encyclopedia of Mumbai”, chronicling its transformation from pre-colonial swampy lands to a vibrant 21st-century metropolis.
Conservation Efforts
Dwivedi was a passionate conservationist, actively involved in various conservation projects in Mumbai.
- She was also a member of the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee while also being an executive member of the Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI).
- Dwivedi was known for her strong stance against public officials who she believed played a role in the destruction of historic Bombay due to their lack of morals and resolve.
- Her dedication to conservation extended to resisting political pressures and advocating for the preservation of Mumbai’s heritage.
Founding Eminence Designs
In the early 1990s, Dwivedi founded her own publishing company, Eminence Designs Pvt. Ltd., to address the issue of authors not being paid equitably. The company went on to publish over 30 titles covering a wide range of subjects, including Bombay’s history, art, architecture, cuisine, beauty and cinema.
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Sharada Dwivedi authored several books, many in collaboration with architect Rahul Mehrotra. Her bibliography includes:
| Books | Year |
| Bombay, the Cities Within | 1995 |
| Banganga, Sacred Tank | 1996 |
| Fort Walks | 1999 |
| Anchoring a City Line the History of the Western Suburban Railway and its Headquarters in Bombay | 2000 |
| The Jehangir Art Gallery | 2002 |
| The Victoria Memorial School for the Blind | 2002 |
Her other works are –
| Books | Year |
| Lives of the Indian Princes | 1984, (co-author: Charles Allen) |
| Reach for the Stars | 1993 |
| The Broken Flute | 1994 |
| The Maharaja | 1999 |
| Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla: A Celebration of Style | 2000 |
Sharada Dwivedi had a deep fascination for Victorian-era Mumbai and later developed a great affection for the city’s Art Decorations and stylings. Her passion for Mumbai’s history and architecture was reflected in her writings and conservation efforts.
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Death and Legacy
Sharada Dwivedi passed away on 6 February 2012 in Mumbai after a brief illness. Her contributions to the documentation and preservation of Mumbai’s heritage have left a lasting impact. Her works continue to be a valuable resource for those interested in the history and culture of Mumbai.
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