N. Bhau jewellers
1. Narotamdas, Jamnadas, Bhaskerbhai, Shreekant — Tushar Bhagat is surrounded by four generations of ancestors, who grew a traditional jewellery business into modern Bombay’s taste-makers.
2. Jamnadas Bhau expanded his father’s venture, opening a well-appointed gold shop on Shaik Memon Street (pictured), nearby their original silver shop on Sutar Chawl Street. That made two ‘Narotamdas Bhau’ shops in the Jhaveri Bazaar area at the turn of the 20th century.
3. For customers up-country and even locally, Jamnadas introduced a catalogue — Gold & Gem Earrings, Gold Sleeve Links, Gold Polished Bracelets with the monogram ‘N. B.’ — each illustrated neatly with a corresponding design number. ‘We specially draw our customers’ attention to the fact that there is no need whatever to cut out illustrations when ordering it is only necessary to give the design number in the catalogue. You can thereby keep the illustration for reference,’ informed the catalogue’s second edition.
4. Jamnadas Bhau became the ‘King of Jhaveri Bazaar’ but other areas in Bombay were developing. Sandhurst Road and Lamington Road were becoming the hub of the cinema industry. The Royal Opera House on New Queen’s Road boasted of being ‘The Home of Celebrities’. Jamnadas joined the frenzy. In 1921 he leased a plot of land from the Bombay Improvement Trust on 437 Lamington Road.
5. In the 1930s, Jamnadas embarked on a world tour, documenting his journey in Japan America ane Europe no Pravas, and guiding fellow Gujarati travellers on how to organise a passport, where to buy steamer tickets and what to do if the hotel is not serving vegetarian food.
6. In Antwerp, Jamnadas was hosted by H. B. Shah, who showed him around the diamond market and then took him to his office. ‘Aa sheher aakhi duniya nu hira na vyapaar nu center chhe.’ Antwerp is the centre of the global diamond trade. Jamnadas knew diamonds would get more popular and that ‘Narotamdas Bhau Jewellers’ could no longer be plain goldsmiths and silversmiths in the crowded Jhaveri Bazaar district.
7. Jamnadas moved to 437 Lamington Road; on the ground floor of the handsome three-storey building he constructed, he set up ‘Narotamdas Bhau Jewellers’ head office. On the third floor, he made his home.
8. He named the building Bhasker Mansion, after his son Bhasker Bhau.
9. Rameshbhai joined in 1968 and was interviewed by Shreekant Bhagat, who took over from Bhasker Bhau. First, Rameshbhai was in the silver department for at least eight months, then he was transferred to gold department, and in 1972, he joined the diamond section. Now it is Shreekant’s son Tushar’s time, and Rameshbhai is still present.
RAJ KAPOOR & THE N. BHAU SHOWROOM
ESTABLISHED 1864.
Bhasker Mansion, 437 Lamington Road.
23rd May, 2022.
Supported by:
Photos & Video by Philippe Calia.
