[ Edit ] Overview

Mumbai is an archipelago of 7 islands on the Konkan coastline in the western coast of India. Capital of the state of Maharashtra, Mumbai or Bombay as it was formerly known, is probably India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan, busy and crowded city. The economic powerhouse of India, Mumbai is a city of contrasts- the extreme wealth and the extreme poverty exist side by side, the ancient and the modern stand close together,  people from various different states, different religions, varying cultures and social standings find common ground and co-exist in this city.

The city extends over an area of 450 sq km with at least 1/4th of it lying below sea level. Nearly 13 million people are believed to be living in this city which has extended its borders north east into the city of Navi Mumbai, the twin city.

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[ Edit ] History

Kolis:
The city which is the commercial, financial and entertainment centre of the country today was originally a fishing village inhabited by fishermen and fisherwomen called Kolis. In the 3rd century the islands were under the rule of Emperor Asoka of the Magadhan Empire. After the decline of the empire, a few Buddhist monks stayed behind with the Koli people. The Kolis who worshipped their stone goddess Mumbadevi, gave the city its name Mumbai.

Silhara Dynasty:
It was then ruled by the Silhara dynasty till the 13th century when the first merchants and agriculturalists settled in Mumbai. Part of the Walkeshwar temple complex is said to date back to this period. In 1343 the islands of Salsette and the whole archipelago was passed to the Sultan of Gujarat who is said to have built the Mahim mosque.

Portuguese Invasion
In 1534 Portuguese invaders forcibly took over the islands from the Sultan of Gujarat. They called it ‘Bom Bahia’ meaning ‘good bay’ referring to the natural deep water harbor of Mumbai. They built a few forts and a few chapels for the Koli’s, who had converted to Christianity. But overall they didn’t find much use for the place.

Dowry
Then in 1661 when Catherine of Braganza married Charles II of England the islands were given as part of her dowry. The East India Company received the island from the royalty of England in 1668, shortly after which they moved their headquarters from Surat to Mumbai and anglicized the name to Bombay.

Bombay, the commercial centre
The 2nd Governor Gerald Aungier decided to develop Bombay as a commercial centre and induced skilled workers and traders to come to Bombay.  A lot of business communities from Gujarat like Parsis, Bohras, Jews, Banias etc. took up the offer and moved to Bombay. In the 18th century the ship building industry was shifted from Surat to Bombay by the Wadias and this attracted another set of skilled workers mainly goldsmiths, weavers, ironsmiths etc. to move to the city. Gradually the city began to develop into a commercial city and the British began the reclamation of land. By 1845 the islands merged together to form a large landmass. Construction workers from all states of India started coming to Bombay in search of work opportunities, a trend which has continued ever since.

Then in 1995 the city changed its name back to Mumbai.

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Maharashtra

[ Edit ] Location

Along the Konkan coast line.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

The best months to visit Mumbai are between October through to March. Monsoons (June to September) and summers (March to May) are best avoided for tourists.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

022

Sightseeing

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Elephanta Caves

Film City

Gateway of India

Haji Ali Dargah

Mahalaxmi Temple

Marine Drive

Prince of Wales Museum

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Siddhivinayak Temple

Weather

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DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

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