Bombay

Bombay is the former name of Mumbai, the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India and the seventh most populous city in the world, with a population of approximately 20 million. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbor.

History

The name "Bombay" is derived from the Portuguese name "Bombaim," which is believed to be derived from the local Marathi words "Bomb Aai," meaning "Good Mother." The city was officially renamed Mumbai in 1995, reflecting the Marathi name for the city.

Colonial Era

Bombay was originally a group of seven islands on the Konkan coastline, which over time were joined together to form the island city of Bombay. The islands were under Portuguese control from 1534 until 1661, when they were ceded to the British as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza upon her marriage to Charles II of England. The British East India Company took control of the islands in 1668 and developed them into a major trading town.

Post-Independence

After India gained independence in 1947, Bombay became the capital of the Bombay State. In 1960, following the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as its capital. The city continued to grow and develop, becoming the financial and commercial capital of India.

Economy

Mumbai is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India. It houses important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, and numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. The city is also home to the Bollywood film industry, which is one of the largest centers of film production in the world.

Culture

Mumbai is known for its diverse culture and vibrant lifestyle. The city hosts various cultural events, festivals, and fairs. Some of the notable festivals celebrated in Mumbai include Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Holi. The city is also known for its street food, which includes dishes like vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri.

Landmarks

Mumbai is home to several iconic landmarks, including:

• Gateway of India
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
• Marine Drive
• Elephanta Caves
• Haji Ali Dargah

Transportation

Mumbai has a well-developed transportation network that includes the Mumbai Suburban Railway, Mumbai Metro, and BEST buses. The city is also served by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Education

Mumbai is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including:

• University of Mumbai
• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Healthcare

The city has numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities, including:

• Tata Memorial Hospital
• King Edward Memorial Hospital
• Breach Candy Hospital

Related Pages

• Mumbai
• Maharashtra
• Bollywood
• Bombay Stock Exchange
• Gateway of India

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