As Confucius rightly said, “Study the past if you would define the future.” While some might perceive history to be facts presenting date and time, it often serves as a guidebook for those willing to learn from the past to better the future. An upcoming talk, organised by Mumbai Research Centre (MRC) of The Asiatic Society of Mumbai will host Danish Khan, a London-based journalist, author and historian in conversation with Murali Ranganathan, translator and historian on the Gujarati Muslim Communities in Colonial Bombay.

The Ebrahim Currim and Sons Umbrella stores (above) in Kalbadevi, is part of the legacy of the Bohra community that shaped the city’s trade. File Pic/Nimesh Dave

The session will delve into the lives of the prominent communities such as Khojas, Bohras and Memons, well known for making a mark with their successful business ventures shaping the city’s commerce, and their influence in politics provides a glimpse of their lives and their efforts to preserve their identities amidst British colonialism.