India, Jan. 2 -- Gaothans, or small settlements, distinguished by their architectural styles and a way of living, have either given way to the rash of development in the city or become invisible within a crop of high rises surrounding them. So that this slice of Mumbai life does not become relegated to the pages of history, the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat (MGP) which works for the uplift of people in these hamlets, is attempting to reclaim the identity of the settlements, under the Smart Gaothan Project.

Resident of old Kurla gaothan, Gleason Barretto, who is in-charge of projects and strategy, at MGP, said, "We have put together a list of 12 features that defined the Indo-European characteristics of the hamlets - from arches in the entryway...