Inside Mumbai's Old-World Gun Shop: A 90-Year Legacy

A Hidden Gem in Dhobi Talao Amid the bustling streets of **Mumbai**, where modernity often overshadows history, lies a unique establishment that has stood the test of time. Tucked away in the lanes of **Dhobi Talao**, **Tahir Arms and Ammunition** has been a silent witness to the city’s transformations for nearly **90 years**. Founded in **1935** by **Tahir Bandukwala**, this gun shop originally catered to the needs of royal families and aristocrats, making it a significant part of Mumbai’s heritage.

As one approaches the store, the façade does little to hint at the treasures held within. Behind the locked doors, a customer waits patiently, eager to enter a world where rifles, pistols, and machetes are displayed with the care of a bygone era, trapped in time amongst old wooden cabinets and glass panels. The shop has evolved, but its essence remains, celebrating nearly a century of service.

A Legacy of Royalty and Tradition The narrative of Tahir Arms is not just about firearms; it is a tale interwoven with **Mumbai's royal past**. “Back in the days before Independence, royal families would come here and buy hundreds of guns in one go for their private police fleets,” shared **Hakim Hatim Bandukwala**, one of the current owners and a member of the Bandukwala family.

Initially located on Abdul Rehman Street, the shop was once a thriving hub for eight brothers of the Bandukwala family. However, as time passed, the dynamics of gun ownership shifted dramatically. Today, the brothers focus on selling guns suited for sport shooting, catering exclusively to individuals with valid licenses, a far cry from the earlier days when firearms were more prevalent.

The Shift in Shooting Culture Hakim reflects on the changes that have affected the sport of shooting: “Today, people barely have the time or space for it. Shooting as a hobby is expensive and requires patience. Every bullet costs money and can only be used once.”

As open spaces diminish and wildlife faces increasing threats, the sport has become more niche, leading to a decline in businesses like Tahir Arms. What was once a vibrant community of shooting enthusiasts has now shifted largely to shooting clubs, making it a more exclusive pastime.

Challenges and Changes in the Industry Despite the challenges, the Bandukwala brothers maintain the store more out of **family pride** than commercial ambition. They still welcome the descendants of their former royal clientele, along with new customers seeking to invest in shooting as a sport, especially during the Olympics when interest peaks. “Whenever India performs well in shooting at events like the Olympics, mothers come in wanting to buy equipment for their children,” said **Suhail Hatim Bandukwala**, Hakim’s brother.

The brothers reminisce about a different Mumbai, one that welcomed film stars like Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor as regular patrons. “They were loyal customers who would walk in and buy,” Hakim recalls fondly. However, the landscape of gun ownership has changed significantly since Independence due to evolving government regulations that have limited access to firearms.

The Decline of Gun Shops in Mumbai Gun shops were once plentiful in Mumbai, with **eight to ten** operating at their peak. Today, only **four or five** remain, with just **two** functioning effectively as traditional gun shops. The rest are either run from homes or on the verge of closure. “If someone wanted good-quality guns, they had to come here. Now, shops have expanded into smaller towns and villages,” Suhail explains, highlighting the shift in consumer demand.

In rural India, gun ownership often aligns with agricultural practices, where farmers use firearms to protect their crops from wildlife. This has contributed to the survival of some gun shops outside urban areas, but for those in Mumbai, the business has become increasingly difficult.

A Family Business for Generations Traditionally, gun shop ownership has been passed down through generations of men, with many partners stepping back due to having daughters. However, the Bandukwala family remains committed to their legacy. A fourth-generation family member now involved in the business is optimistic about the future, adapting to the times by developing an online presence with a **website** and a **YouTube channel**.

The family’s dedication reflects a deep-rooted commitment to preserving their history while evolving with the modern world. Despite the shift in societal attitudes towards gun ownership, the Bandukwala brothers are determined to maintain their family business and its historical significance.

Looking to the Future As Tahir Arms and Ammunition approaches its **90th anniversary**, it stands not only as a store but as a testament to **Mumbai’s rich history**. The shop invites both nostalgia and curiosity from those who understand its background and legacy. With changing times, the challenge will be to balance tradition with modernity, ensuring that the store remains relevant in an ever-evolving landscape.

In the coming years, it will be interesting to observe how the Bandukwala family navigates this balance and whether they can inspire a new wave of interest in shooting sports. As they embrace technology and modern marketing strategies, Tahir Arms may yet find a way to thrive in a city that continues to change around it.