Dhobitalao

Dhobitalao ("Washerman's Lake") is a neighborhood in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), in India. Located in the South Mumbai area at an elevation of 11 m (31 ft), it used to be a location where linen was washed. In British times, dhobis used to wash the British soldiers clothes here. It was filled up in the mid-17th century, as the city began to expand. The lake used to be fed by a number of underground freshwater springs, which were recently uncovered while constructing the subway in the locality.

A public library stands over the land that was the lake. Just off the current site, is the famous Metro Adlabs (formerly Metro Cinema).

The north-eastern part of Dhobitalao is called Cavel, from the Koli name Kolwar. The Kolis of this village were converted to Christianity by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Cavel became a Christian enclave, and later immigrants of this religion, from Goa, Daman, Bassein, and Salsette settled here. Other Christian enclaves in Dhobitalao are Sonapur and Dabul.^[1]

Dhobitalao is home to the highest number of kudds, Goan clubs that house migrants from Goan villages seeks opportunities and employment in Mumbai.^[2]

• Metro Adlabs
• St Xavier's College
• St. Xavier's High School, Fort
• GT Hospital
• ESIS Hospital

• Dhobitalao