ABOUT MUMBAI

The history of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is rich, dynamic, and deeply entwined with the growth and evolution of India as a nation. Read on for the detailed history of Mumbai, spanning from its ancient roots to the modern-day status of the global financial hub.

Ancient and Medieval Periods

Prehistoric and Early Settlements:

History can be traced in Mumbai right back to the prehistoric times with signs of habitation present up to 2000 BCE. Archaeological remains have also been discovered at Cave 3 of Elephanta Island, in addition to that found in the Juhu, hinting that settlements of the Koli tribe are as early as the native habitants.
Mumbai was initially a group of seven islands that formed the Konkan Coast. These islands consisted of Colaba, Old Woman's Island, Mazgaon, Parel, Worli, Bombay Island, and Elephanta. It is said to have been occupied by Sumerians, Greeks, and Persians during trade.

Mauryan and Gupta Periods:

The region received some influence from the Mauryan Empire and further on, the Gupta Empire in the 3rd to 5th century CE. During these periods, although Bombay did not serve as a political capital, it functioned as part of greater cultural and trade activities in the Indian subcontinent.

The Silhara Dynasty (9th to 14th Century):

In the 9th century, Mumbai was under the Silhara Dynasty, which had a vast influence over the Konkan Coast. The Silharas built major trade routes via sea and promoted local infrastructural activities such as the construction of the Mahalakshmi Temple during the 9th century.
It was a period when Mumbai also witnessed Hindu and Buddhist influences through cave complexes established during the times of Elephanta Island and Kanheri Caves.

Portuguese Rule (1534 - 1661)

The Coming of the Portuguese (1534):

In 1534, Mumbai came under the Portuguese rule after the Treaty of Windsor and included it in their maritime empire. The Portuguese constructed forts on some of the islands, such as the Fort of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Bandra.
The Portuguese, during their reign, tried to convert the local population to Christianity and were successful in converting many of the Koli people to Christianity. Several churches were left behind by the Portuguese, and their architectural style is still visible in the buildings of the region, especially in Bandra and Byculla.

Impact of Trade and Commerce:

The Portuguese use of Bombay as a port led to its growing importance in trade across the Arabian Sea. However, in the mid-17th century, the Portuguese had to contend with other European powers seeking to control Indian trade routes.

British Rule (1661 - 1947)

The British Take Control (1661):

In 1661, Bombay was ceded to the British East India Company as part of the dowry when Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II of England. Bombay was given over to the British on condition that it become a base for trade.
The British East India Company started building fortifications, docks, and infrastructure that laid the foundation for modern Mumbai.

Development Under the British (17th to 19th Century):

By the early 18th century, Bombay became a significant trading port for the British. The British expanded the seven islands into a single landmass through massive land reclamation projects. This expansion helped create the city's iconic coastal shape.
The Hornby Vellard was constructed in 1784 connecting the islands and was a major feat of engineering. The Victoria Dock and Colaba Dock developments made Bombay important for trade.
In the 19th century, Bombay was an important center for the textile industry. This led to massive immigration from rural areas to cities.

Social, Economic, and Cultural Growth:
- The 19th century also marked the growth of social movements and educational institutions in Bombay. The University of Mumbai, founded in 1857, played a crucial role in the education of the Indian elite.
- Leaders like Lokmanya Tilak, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale were active in Bombay, pushing for political and social reforms.

The 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, although not directly affecting Bombay as severely as other parts of India, saw Bombay as a loyal base for British imperial forces.

The Cotton Boom and Industrialization:

Bombay became the hub of the cotton industry in the late 19th century. The establishment of many textile mills, often called "the Manchester of the East," revolutionized the city's economy and established a new working class.
Bombay also became a major financial hub, hosting institutions such as the Bank of Bombay (which later merged into the Reserve Bank of India) and the Bombay Stock Exchange, established in 1875.

Post-Independence (1947 - Present)

Mumbai After Independence (1947 - 1960):

Following the attainment of Indian independence in 1947, Bombay continued to evolve into a commercial and cultural center. The film industry that had started gaining momentum during the 1930s mushroomed and went on to gain global recognition as Bollywood.
Bombay remained the capital of Maharashtra until the state was reorganized in 1960. That year, the state of Maharashtra was carved out from the Bombay Presidency, and the city officially became the capital of Maharashtra.

Formation of the State of Maharashtra (1960):

In 1960, the state of Maharashtra was established and Mumbai became its capital after years of political agitation and protests by the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. The movement was led by politicians like Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar and Keshavrao Jedhe, who were advocating for a state mainly for the Marathi-speaking population.

Contemporary Mumbai (Late 20th Century to the Present):

By the late 20th century, Mumbai had emerged as one of the most important financial centers in Asia. The stock exchange, banking sector, and corporate headquarters of major Indian and international companies were based in the city.
The city also became a cultural hub, with its thriving film industry (Bollywood), music scene, and literary culture. The Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the Marine Drive promenade became internationally recognized landmarks.

Mumbai as a Global City: By the 21st century, Mumbai had evolved into something more than a financial hub - a global metropolis. It became recognized for its well-developed sectors of information technology, financial markets, and entertainment industries.

However, Mumbai is also a city of stark contrasts, where the wealth of the elite is juxtaposed with the struggles of the millions living in its sprawling slums, such as Dharavi.
The city faced several crises, including terrorist attacks that have been devastating in nature, like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and natural calamities such as the 2005 floods. Yet, this city remains the epitome of resilience, growth, and diversity.

Conclusion

Mumbai's story is that of its ability to grow and change with the times. It was originally a cluster of islands, was transformed under Portuguese and British rule, and was projected into becoming one of the world's most influential cities. Mumbai is a very dynamic city that promises much in the realms of politics, economics, and culture as it grows along India's socio-political horizons.