Mumbai’s historic Parsi Tower of Silence cemetery on Malabar Hill, established in 1672, has been honored with a heritage plaque under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Mumbai Legacy Project. The plaque, mounted on a pole near the main entrance at Kemps Corner, features a QR code linking to verified historical information about the site.
Part of a pilot initiative to commemorate the city’s cultural landmarks, the project aims to expand citywide if successful, according to Manish Valanju, assistant municipal commissioner of “D” ward.
Spanning 50 acres, the hilltop cemetery houses circular stone structures called dakhmas, used for the Zoroastrian tradition of Dokhmenashini, or sky burials. Rooted in the belief that bodies could pollute elements like earth and fire, this practice involves laying out the deceased for disposal by the sun and carrion birds. When built, the cemetery stood three kilometers beyond Mumbai’s city walls.
Reactions to the plaque have been mixed. Dr. Viraf Kapadia, trustee of the Bhikha Behram Well and a resident of nearby Godrej Baug, praised the QR code’s instant access to information and suggested replicating the idea at other heritage sites. However, concerns were raised about the pole’s height potentially hindering QR code scanning and adding footpath clutter, similar to challenges seen in London’s plaque systems.
Viraf Mehta, a trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, which manages the cemetery, called the initiative “unassuming” but urged better promotion. Overall, the project underscores Mumbai’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage.