In the heart of Mumbai, there is silence. Old houses with large porches border the bylanes. Wooden columns grace their balconies. Some of these houses still flaunt slate roofs. Potted plants are perched in every niche and corner, adding greenery. In the sleepy neighbourhood of Matharpacady, life is not just lived but relished. Matharpacady’s space in the history of Bombay Mumbai used to be an archipelago of seven marshy islands—Colaba, Little Colaba, Bombay, Worli, Mahim, Parel and Mazgaon. The cluster of islands were ruled by various indigenous kings before being transferred to the Portuguese. The interest of the Portuguese in India was spices and religion. They wanted to spread Christianity…