A Brief History Mumbai
Mumbai, once known as Bombay, is a big bustling city as many in India are. Full of dreamers and hard-labourers, starlets and gangsters, stray dogs and exotic birds, artists and servants, fisherfolk and Crorepatis (millionaires), and lots and lots of people.
Although the city can feel chaotic and crowded, peaceful moments can be found here and there.
Nibble a paper cone of bhelpuri while you stroll the sands of Chowpatty Beach. Then, take a short walk to Mani Bhavan, where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, strategised, and was ultimately arrested.
When regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995, the city’s official name changed to Mumbai. ‘Bombay’ is an anglicised version of the Portuguese name used by the British when they took control of the city in the 17th century.
The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.
However, the name change wasn’t a singular incident specific to Mumbai. It is part of a larger, ongoing wave where places across India have undergone name changes often to rid themselves of names given by the British.
Regardless, ‘Mumbai’ is said to already have been in use in the 16th century by the local Koli fisher-folk community. It is considered to have been derived from the name of the Koli goddess Mumbadevi, considered to be the city’s patron deity and Aai (mother).
The markets of Mumbai are spirited places too, to bargain for spices or souvenirs.
Multimillion-dollar Bollywood productions take place in some of Asia’s biggest slums (as well as the world’s most expensive home) and the largest tropical forest in an urban zone.
ndia’s most prolific film industry is situated here and it is the largest centre for film and television production in the country with a third of all Indian films produced in the state. The Marathi film industry, previously located in Kolhapur, has spread throughout the state.
Truly the city that never sleeps, which comes as no surprise because there’s so much to do here. Whether it’s catching the morning sunrise on one of the beautiful promenades or unwinding at one of the city’s party spots in the evening, Mumbai offers experiences that are only unique to that city. A must for all travellers.
