Novel Research- Slumdog Millionaire

The Novel Slumdog Millionaire takes place in town called Dharavi located in the slums of India. Dharavi is considered " The largest slum in Asia" according to National Geographics. Up until late 1900's Dharavi was a swamp utilized by Koli fishermen. This swamp eventually filled with coconut leaves, rotten fish and human wastes. No longer able to fish the Koli began to bootleg liqour while others began to take advantage of the extra room. Thousands of people migrated to this area from all over resulting in " the most diverse of slums, arguably the most diverse neighborhood in Mumbai, India's most diverse city." National Geographics. Just recently water taps have been place in homes in Dharavi. Previously residence of this area had to walk to the communal water tap where they would be charged by "goons" to receive water for the day. People living in Dharavi are often at the mercy of the "Land Mofia" which contain water and electrical "goons". Dharavi has 600,000 people all living in 100,000 homes and contains 12,000 people per acre.
http://www.planetizen.com/node/35269
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/05/dharavi-mumbai-slum/jacobson-text