You Know Nariman Point — But Do You Know Mr Nariman?

Khurshed Framji Nariman (1883–1948), popularly known as Veer Nariman, was one of Bombay’s most outspoken nationalist leaders and civic reformers. Though widely remembered today because of places like Nariman Point and Veer Nariman Road in Mumbai, the story of the man behind the name is far less known.

Born in Bombay, Nariman belonged to the Parsi community and received his early education in the city. He later studied law and became a barrister, a profession that shaped his sharp debating skills and strong sense of public accountability.

Nariman was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He was an influential figure in the civic politics of Bombay. Nariman strongly believed that local governance must be honest and transparent. However, Nariman was also known for speaking his mind openly—even when it created discomfort within his own party.

His persistent campaign against irregularities earned him the nickname “Veer Nariman”, meaning Brave Nariman.

The Backbay Reclamation Controversy

One of Nariman’s most famous battles was against the Backbay Reclamation Project proposed by the British administration. The scheme aimed to reclaim land from the sea in South Bombay for urban development.

Nariman strongly objected to the project. He publicly argued that the scheme involved financial irregularities, inflated contracts and misuse of public funds. At a time when opposing colonial policies required great courage, he repeatedly raised these concerns in civic discussions and public meetings.

Because of this fearless stance, people began calling him “Veer Nariman” — Nariman the Brave.

The Irony of Nariman Point

Ironically, the land created from the very project Nariman opposed later became the famous Nariman Point, today one of Mumbai’s major business districts.

The area was named after him to honour his courage and public service, even though he had strongly criticized the reclamation scheme during his lifetime.

Veer Nariman Road

Apart from Nariman Point, a major road in South Mumbai — Veer Nariman Road near Churchgate — was also named in his memory. Thousands of people pass through Veer Nariman Road daily without knowing it is named after a man who once exposed corruption in the city’s biggest development project.

The road is famous, but the story is not.

The Chief Minister Controversy

After the provincial elections of 1937 under the Government of India Act, the Congress was expected to form the government in the Bombay Presidency. Nariman was widely seen as a strong contender for the post of Chief Minister of Bombay. But he was ignored and B.G.Kher was chose for the post.

The episode became widely known as the “Nariman Affair.”

Veer Nariman represents a generation of leaders who believed that freedom was not only about removing the British but also about ensuring honesty in public life.

Today, every mention of Nariman Point or Veer Nariman Road quietly keeps alive the memory of a brave man who stood up for transparency and integrity in the city’s governance. Nariman is a Persian name for boys from Shahname.

Nariman is great great grand father of Rostam, the well known hero in Shahname . Rostam, Zal, Sam, Nariman

Author : Unknown