Model of a Bangle Seller

The Museum’s collection of clay models and dioramas document the people, lifestyles, occupations and cultures of Mumbai from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Many occupations are still practiced in the city even today. Street vendors such as the bangle seller can be seen even today on the streets of Mumbai.

Bangles were usually made in glass and embellished with gold and silver colours. After a woman was married, she usually wore red or green bangles along with gold bangles. Red bangles are preferred by married women in the northern and eastern parts of the country whereas in the western regions green bangles are more popular.