Century-old Ma HajianiDargah restored to glory

Cocooned in the shielding hold of the bay, just off the arterial, traffic-clogged road that hugs the coastline, is the 111-year-old Ma HajianiDargah, restored to its former glory. The restoration of the building began in November 2017 and was completed by conservation architect VikasDilawari on April 19, which also marked the eve of Shab-e-Baraat. The dargah is one of the lesser-known spots of quiet in the city, often interchanged with the more popular Haji Ali Dargah, a stone’s throw away. Built in 1908 when Sir George Sydenham was the Governor of Bombay — primarily in Porbandar stone and basalt ashlar plinth — it is an ideal example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Subtle influences of the colonial style of construction are evident, particularly in the ornamental work.