History of Mumbai

Table of Contents

The Beginning

Till the 17th century, Mumbai (earlier known as Bombay) was a combination of seven small islands in the Arabian Sea.

Koli fishermen were the first inhabitants who developed their villages and settlements along with the cost of Mumbai.

Their goddess was Mumbadevi, from whom the city received its name Mumbai.

Portuguese Rule

Hindus, Buddhist, and Muslim rulers ruled the greater Bombay region. However, after Vasco da Gama of Portugal landed at Calicut in 1498, Bombay witnessed the dawn of development.

In exchange for military support, the Portuguese acquired the 7 islands from the Sultan of Gujarat in 1534.

They set up their capital at Bassein, controlled the island for over a century, and converted thousands to Christianity in and around Bombay.

Portugal gifted Bombay to King Charles II

The King of Portugal gifted the islands to King Charles II of England in 1661; This was a marriage gift to King Charles II on his marriage to a Portuguese princess (Catherine of Braganza).

King Charles II further leased the island to the then East India Company. The company then fortified the island to protect it against any foreign attack.

7 islands merged into one Mumbai

The British connected the island by building several causeways and undertook multiple reclamations to unite the islands to form one land. The Islands were the Isle of Bombay, Parel, Mazagoan, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old Women’s Island.

Northern Mumbai Kandivili coastal area, you get the first evidence of human existence which is believed to be from the stone age. Research believed that the stone tools found here are almost 15,000 years old.

The Kaneri caves excavation in Borivali shows that Mumbai was the center of Buddhism from ancient times.

India Independence

The Municipal Corporation was established in 1872, and the Bombay Port Trust in 1873.

Bombay (currently Mumbai) developed as India’s financial center for trade and industries. They continued up to 1947.

In the year (1947) when India attained Independence from British rule.

Interesting Facts about Mumbai

Mumbai is the most populous city in India, with over 20 million people.
It was originally a group of seven islands merged into one landmass through land reclamation.
The city is home to the famous Bollywood film industry, which produces more movies annually than any other film industry worldwide.
Mumbai has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires of any city in India.
The Gateway of India, an iconic arch monument in the city, was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station in Mumbai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the busiest railway stations in India.
Mumbai has the largest tropical forest in an urban zone, called the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
The city’s Marine Drive promenade, also known as the “Queen’s Necklace,” is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the sunset.
Mumbai is home to the largest slum population in India, with Dharavi being one of the largest slums in the world.
The famous Mumbai dabbawalas deliver thousands of lunchboxes to workers across the city every day, and have been recognized for their efficient and reliable delivery system.
Mumbai is located on the west coast of India and is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra.
The city has a rich history and was ruled by various dynasties before it came under British rule in the 18th century.
Mumbai is the financial capital of India and is home to the country’s largest stock exchange, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
The city is known for its vibrant street food culture, with popular dishes including vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri.
Mumbai has several iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Haji Ali Dargah, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
The city experiences a monsoon season from June to September, which brings heavy rainfall and can sometimes cause flooding.
The Mumbai Metro is a rapid transit system that serves the city and has expanded since its launch in 2014.
The Mumbai Indians cricket team, owned by India’s biggest conglomerate Reliance Industries, is the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Mumbai has several prestigious educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).
The city has a thriving nightlife scene, with several bars, clubs, and restaurants open until the early morning.

What is Mumbai famous for?

It has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires among all cities in India. Mumbai is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the city’s distinctive ensemble of Victorian Art Deco buildings, and many more.

What is the main food of Mumbai?

The staple foods consumed by Mumbai residents include rice, aromatic fish curries, Indian bread chapatis and rotis, vegetable curries, and various pulses. Since Mumbai is multicultural, with various people from different states staying here, you will see food from all parts of India here. The Vadapav is the most famous street food in Mumbai.

Is Mumbai and Bombay the same?

Yes, Mumbai and Bombay are the same. The original name of this city was Bombay, but in November 1995, the government renamed this city Mumbai. The name is derived from ‘Mumba Devi,’ the patron goddess of the original residents on this island.

Some More Pictures of Mumbai