Mumbai

Lore & Background

Mumbai, originally an archipelago of seven islands, has evidence of human occupation dating back to the South Asian Stone Age. The islands were ruled by the Maurya Empire since the 3rd century BCE and were referenced by Ptolemy in his text in 150 CE. The islands were inhabited by the Marathi-speaking Koli people, whose deity Mumbā is believed to have given the city its name. In 1535, the islands were ceded to the Portuguese, and in 1661, transferred to the British Crown as part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry, before being leased to the East India Company in 1668. Under British Raj, Bombay was the capital of the Bombay Presidency. The city played a major role in the Indian independence movement. After India's independence in 1947, Bombay became the capital of Bombay State and after the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, became the capital of Maharashtra in 1960.

In Their Own Story

The local train screeches into Churchgate Station, releasing a tide of humanity onto the platform. A vendor pushes his trolley through the crush, shouting 'Chai! Chai!' over the roar of engines and footsteps. Above, the sky turns bruised purple as the sun dips below the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel's domes. In this moment, amidst the sweat and ambition, Mumbai breathes.

Reader's Guide

Mumbai is classified as an alpha world city and serves as India's financial, commercial, and entertainment capital. It is the centre of Bollywood, one of the world's most prolific film industries, as well as Marathi cinema. The city houses major government institutions including the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the Bombay High Court. It is home to major scientific, nuclear, and financial institutions, as well as the headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations.

Did You Know?

• The name Mumbai originated from Mumbā or Mahā-Ambā, the name of the patron Hindu goddess Mumbadevi of the native Koli community, and from ā'ī, meaning 'mother' in Marathi.
• The oldest known names for the city are Kakamuchee and Galajunkja.
• The Government of India officially changed the English name to Mumbai in November 1995.
• A resident of Mumbai is called Mumbaikar in Marathi.