Cross Maidan - The Maidan

The Maidan

The vast expanses of land of the Oval Maidan, Azad Maidan, Cooperage Ground and Cross Maidan until the early 20th century formed the area known as Esplanade. The road which divides Cross Maidan and Azad Maidan which is today called Mahatma Gandhi Road was formerly known as the Esplanade. The term Esplanade is almost obliterated from history books except for the Bombay High Court which still goes by the term esplanade court. The part of MG Road abutting the Cross Maidan is popularly known as Fashion Street, with a range of vogue clothing at throwaway prices.

The rest of the ground is used for cricket in the dry season and football (soccer) during the monsoons. Near the southern end, the Mahindra United Club, a national level club, has undertaken a lease of a small portion of the ground. In the past, traveling circuses have used the ground. The ground hosts eight cricket pitches. In 1986, Reliance Industries Limited held their AGM at the ground with 30,000 company shareholders in attendance. During the pre-independence era, the ground used to hold rallies and parades.

Cutting across the centre of the ground is a shortcut that links the two railway stations of Victoria Terminus and Churchgate. The lane known as "Khau Galli" (famous Marathi term) meaning Food Lane is traversed by thousands of people rushing to their work places. At times exhibitions and fairs are held in the maidan.

Due to encroachment by Fashion Street hawkers and also mounds of garbage dumped in the southern end of the maidan, it has deteriorated to such an extent that a special committee has been set up to look after the ground, fence it off and clear the garbage and attaining a heritage status.