Living Traditions and Indigenous Resilience:

Interplay in the Urban Landscapes of Dharavi

Abstract

The research paper examines the pivotal role of living traditions in the adaptation and evolution of indigenous urban spaces, specifically within the coastal urban slum of Dharavi in Mumbai. The study delves into the characteristics of public spaces within these areas, leading to the creation of a comprehensive typology and framework that encapsulate indigenous measures and built elements. By acknowledging and harnessing the wisdom embedded in these traditions, the paper aims to present the intrinsic connection between local practices, cultural heritage, and the physical manifestation of these traditions in the urban landscape, while unveiling how these living traditions serve as a resilient force in the face of urban transformation. Employing direct observations and immersive fieldwork in the neighborhood of fishermen, Koliwada in Dharavi, the research captures the interplay; experiences and perspectives, that presents the cyclical occupation of indigenous urban landscape based on living traditions in the urban slum. The findings underscore the crucial role of community-led vernacular measures in flood adaptation, highlighting how indigenous public spaces serve as innovative tools for addressing challenges, particularly in coastal urban slums prone to flooding. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the significance of understanding, preserving, and integrating living traditions within indigenous urban landscapes.