Bombay
Bombay, now officially known as Mumbai, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the financial, commercial, and entertainment hub of India. Originally a group of seven fishing islands inhabited by the Koli people, Bombay has transformed into a global megacity. Its name was changed to Mumbai in 1995, honoring the local deity Mumbādevī.[1][2]
Historical Evolution
Portuguese Era (1534–1661)
The Portuguese acquired the islands in 1534 from the Sultan of Gujarat and named it Bombaim, meaning "good bay". They fortified the region, built churches, and established trade outposts.[3]
British Rule (1661–1858)
In 1661, the islands of Bombay were given to the British Crown as dowry during the marriage of Catherine of Braganza to King Charles II. In 1668, the British East India Company leased the islands for a nominal rent. Under Governor Gerald Aungier, Bombay was transformed into a major commercial center with improved fortifications and administration.
The unification of the seven islands through land reclamation—especially the ambitious Hornby Vellard project (1782–1838)—led to the formation of modern Bombay.
Industrial and Colonial Growth (19th–20th century)
Bombay flourished as a textile hub and trade gateway, particularly after the Suez Canal opened in 1869 and the American Civil War disrupted cotton supply. Landmarks such as the Gateway of India and Victoria Terminus were built. The 1896 bubonic plague led to sanitation reforms and the creation of the City Improvement Trust.[4]
Independence Movement
Bombay played a key role in the Indian independence movement, hosting the first session of the Indian National Congress in 1885 and the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Post-Independence and Name Change
After 1947, Bombay continued to expand rapidly. Communal riots in 1992–93 following the Babri Masjid demolition shook the city. In 1995, the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government officially renamed it Mumbai, reflecting Marathi heritage and the goddess Mumbādevī.
Name and Etymology
The name Mumbai is derived from Mumbā, the local goddess worshipped by the Koli community, and Aai, meaning mother in Marathi. The name Bombay was the Anglicized version of the Portuguese name Bombaim.[5]
Architecture and Heritage
Mumbai is home to iconic colonial-era structures and modern skyscrapers:
- The Gateway of India, built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V.
- The historic Bombay Castle, once the seat of British power.
- A UNESCO World Heritage site for its Art Deco and Victorian Gothic architecture.[6]
Present-Day Mumbai
Today, Mumbai is:
- India’s economic powerhouse and home to Bollywood
- Headquarters of major financial institutions like Reserve Bank of India and Bombay Stock Exchange
- A city of contrasts – with upscale districts like South Mumbai and sprawling slums like Dharavi
Urban land speculation, traffic congestion, and socio-economic diversity define modern Mumbai’s challenges and dynamism.[7][8]
See Also
References
- ↑ https://mumbaicity.gov.in/history/
- ↑ https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-history-of-how-bombay-became-mumbai-in-1-minute
- ↑ https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-history-of-how-bombay-became-mumbai-in-1-minute
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/place/Mumbai/History
- ↑ https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-history-of-how-bombay-became-mumbai-in-1-minute
- ↑ https://www.artdecomumbai.com/research/100-years-of-bombay-1850-1950
- ↑ https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2024/09/22/immobilier-dharavi-le-bidonville-de-bombay-est-un-objet-de-convoitise-et-de-spéculation_6327943_3244.html
- ↑ https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2009-08-28/it-s-mumbai-yaar