Transformation of Traditional Colonial Bazaars: Case of Malcolm Peth Bazaar, Mahabaleshwar, India

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ABSTRACT A bazaar is a market place that contributes to the economy as well as the spatial, cultural, political, educational, and social determinants of the society and its settlement. Bazaars, specifically in British colonial hill towns of India due to their unique characteristics, have showcased significant transformation in social and physical attributes. The potential reasons include the pressures of industrialization, tourism, consumerism, and continuously evolving identities. In this context, the paper examines the case of Malcolm Peth bazaar at Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, India. It aims to comprehend the socio-cultural and spatial transformation of the bazaar, from its British colonial beginnings to the present differential scenario, emphasizing the perception and representation of the traditional place. The methodology follows the descriptive and interpretive research approach. The process commences with exploring the available theory and literature, followed by the development of a theoretical framework through the literature discourse to holistically investigate the complexities of the traditional bazaar. On-site data collection includes spatial information represented through maps and illustrations and stakeholders’ perceptions recorded in interviews. Subsequently, the data is analyzed by forming domains and categories through tabular frameworks and further narrated to abstract the findings. Focusing on the changing traditions and heritage value, the interpretation of the result elucidates the bazaar’s socio-spatial character in diverse time-place environments that the bazaar has reflected in its evolution process. Highlighting the insensitive approach towards the culturally sensitive traditional bazaar, the research concludes by accentuating the need to react cautiously toward preserving the historical notions of the place.