Urbs Prima in Indis, A Bank Walk with R Venkatesh

Mumbai became a major hub of financial activity- trade, industry, shipping and banking, progressively from the mid-nineteenth century, earning its title as the *Urbs Prima in Indis*. While banks are often seen as mundane providers of essential services, we seldom recognise the historicity and diversity of origin, purpose and evolution that shaped the pioneer institutions of early modern banking. These institutions reveal a wide spectrum of relationships- from shared objectives and collaboration to conflict and confrontation.

Their deep links were not only intrinsic to Mumbai’s commercial existence, but they also made Mumbai a microcosm of global banking histories. On this heritage-walk we explore the typology of institutions like a Presidency Bank, Exchange Banks, Swadeshi Banks, the Reserve Bank of India, and Imperial Bank, that was intended to be a “state bank”, as well as the linked histories of individuals pioneering them. Before the walk, we will meet at the Sarmaya Archive for a look at our new exhibition 'Odyssey of the Rupee: From India to the World'.

This special Bank Walk will be facilitated by the Sarmaya team at Sarmaya Arts Foundation, presented in tandem with our landmark new exhibition Odyssey of the Rupee: From India to the World.

Marking 75 years of the Indian Rupee, Odyssey of the Rupee is Sarmaya’s most ambitious exhibition yet. Curated by Dr. Shailendra Bhandare of the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, with Sarmaya Arts Foundation, the showcase spans centuries of currency—from ancient punch-marked coins to the first coin minted in Independent India. It also traces the fascinating global journeys of the rupee, featuring rare and beautiful coins and notes from regions as far-reaching as Mozambique, Java and Saudi Arabia.

Meeting Point: Sarmaya Arts Foundation, 2nd floor, 276, Lawrence & Mayo Commercial Premises Society Ltd., Dr D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001.

The Bank walk will be led by R. Venkatesh. R Venkatesh is an MA in History from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is a life member of The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, and a regular contributor to lectures and heritage walks on Mumbai. He is an avid traveller, researcher and photographer, frequenting several heritage sites across the country. He is also a life member of INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter, and a member of the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society. He is co-author of the book Gateways to the Sea-Historic Docks and Ports of Mumbai region.