History of Mumbai

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, on 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 more than 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 bring the islands together to form one land.

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.

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

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 to Mumbai. The name is derived from ‘Mumba Devi,’ the patron goddess of the original residents on this island.