Arab Lane

Arab Lane is a locality/lane in Grant [Road (South Mumbai, India)|Grant Road] East, South Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is located at the junction of Kamathipura, Bapty Road and Play House.

Overview

Arab Lane is the unofficial and widely used name of the lane officially called Mohammed Tahir Ansari Marg. It was the place of residence of Urdu novelist Saadat Hasan Manto from 1930s to 1940s.

Etymology

The name of the lane could be linked to the Arab pearl merchants who once resided there. Another possibility is that it was named after an Arab ascetic who, about forty-five years ago, claimed to have mystical powers. This ascetic stayed in the lane, and over time, it became associated with him. He formed close ties with several prominent individuals, one of whom, unable to have children, placed his faith in the ascetic, who promised to help him have a family.

Politics

Arab Lane belongs to the Mumbadevi constituency in the Maharashtra legislative assembly. It belongs to the Mumbai South constituency in the Lok Sabha.