Mumbai is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city lies on the west coast of the country and is home to a deep natural harbour. Named as an alpha world city in 2009, Mumbai is also the financial and entertainment capital of India. Until 1995, the city was officially known as Bombay. Every year, this megacity hosts people, wishing to transform their dreams into reality; thus, it is sometimes called the City of Dreams.
The name, City of Seven Islands, signifies the history of its formation, whereas the name, Gateway to India points at its strategic location by the sea. The presence of the Indian film industry, called Bollywood, is responsible for its name, Hollywood of India. Owing to its strong historical roots, magnificent British architecture, sandy beaches, places of worship and museums, the city witnesses a large number of tourists, both from the country and overseas. Since the weather here is relatively pleasant and less humid between October and March, it is considered ideal to visit it.
The city has a number of points of interest like the iconic Gateway of India, Marine Drive Essel World, Chowpatty, Juhu and Madh Island. It also boasts museums, dedicated to subjects like archaeology, ancient/contemporary art, and natural history. The renowned Nehru Centre houses a planetarium, and galleries, showcasing India’s culture and scientific achievements. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Jehangir Art Gallery and Mani Bhawan present comprehensive information on the country’s long and rich history. Dadasaheb Phalke Chjitranagari, commonly known as Film City, houses the sets of films and television shows.
Suiting every budget and interest, a number of markets across the city sell a variety of stuff. An exceptional collection of jewellery, wood carvings, antiques and leather goods can be found at the buzzing Chor Bazaar, whereas Zaveri Bazar is known for designer jewellery. Souvenirs, artefacts and textiles from different states of India can be purchased from state emporiums, housed at the World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade. Besides, those fond of international brands can head to numerous shopping malls located within the city. While in Mumbai one could enjoy some leisure activities like Sailing, Private Plane Ride, and also Hot Air Ballooning and Paragliding that are offered in the nearby town of Lonavala.
Celebrations and festivities are in the blood of Mumbaikars, the residents of the city. The most significant festival in Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. The Mumbai International Film Festival and Elephanta Festival are some other extravaganzas that locals celebrate and attend with zeal. Street food is quite popular in Mumbai. Some of the most famous delicacies on the streets of Mumbai are Vada Pav, Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, Dosas and Pav Bhaji. Moreover, seafood specialities, Keema Pav and Kebabs are available in every nook and corner of the metropolis.
History
The name, Mumbai, finds its origin from the word, Mumbā or Mahā Ambā, which is the name of the patron goddess, Mumbadevi of the Koli, Agri and Somvanshi Kshatriya communities. The word, ā'ī, means mother in Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra. Two ancient names of the city are Galajunkja and Kakamuchee. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was also known by other names like Mombayn, Bambaye, Monbaym and Boon Bay. During the late 20th century, the city was called Mumbai or Mambai in Marathi, Gujarati and Kannada, and Bambai in Hindi. The contemporary name, Mumbai, was given to the megacity in November 1995.
Bombay Island, Mazagaon, Mahim, Parel, Colaba, Worli and Old Woman's Island were joined as part of an ambitious land reclamation project to form the present-day city. The islands are known to be inhabited since the Stone Age as suggested by the Pleistocene sediments unearthed near Kandivali. The Koli fishing community is thought to have occupied the area about 2000 years ago. In the 3rd century BC, the islands became part of the Maurya Empire under Emperor Ashoka. However, some regional dynasties, namely Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Kalachuris, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas ruled over the area between 2nd century BC and 9th century AD until the arrival of the Silhara dynasty. Noted structures like Jogeshwari Caves and Elephanta Caves were built during this period.
In the 16th century, after the end of the Islamic rule of about two centuries, the island was won by the Portuguese from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. The Portuguese constructed several churches and forts in the region. The region further came in the hands of the British, who further leased the isles to the East India Company in 1668. Subsequently, the company named it as Bombay and transferred its headquarters from Surat (a city in present-day Gujarat) to the newly formed establishment in 1686. In the next couple of years, Bombay observed a rigorous phase of urban planning, development and industrialisation that finally led to an extensive rise in its population and merger of the seven islands into a single entity in 1845. The establishment of the Suez Canal in 1869 opened connections into the city from the rest of the world, eventually developing one of the most important ports in India, here. In an attempt to expand the city, neighbouring suburban towns like Borivali, Malad, Andheri, Bandra and Thane became part of Bombay, which was declared the capital of Maharashtra in 1960.
Geography
Positioned at the opening of the Ulhas River, the capital of Maharashtra is situated on Salsette Island, off the west coast of India in the Konkan Coastal belt. The city is spread over an area of about 603.4 sq km. Most parts of Mumbai lie at sea level with an average altitude of just 14 metres. Mumbai’s northern part is hilly and has the highest point at 450 metres above sea level. To the west, the city is bounded by the Arabian Sea.
In addition to Bhatsa Dam, there are three lakes, namely Powai Lake, Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake. The latter two are located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park within city limits and supply drinking water to a major section of the metropolitan city. Besides, three rivers originate from the national park that also lies within the territory of the city. Mumbai’s extensive coastline stretches from the Thane Creek on the city’s eastern edge to Madh Marve on the west. The east coast of the island is mostly packed with mangrove swamps, whereas the western counterpart is sandy and rugged. As the city is situated on the seashore, the soil here is mostly sandy, but the suburb region has loamy and alluvial soil. Geologically, the city lies in a seismically active zone, which has been designated as a Seismic Zone III region.
Weather
Mumbai has a tropical wet and dry climate with seven dry months, and heavy rainfall occurring in July. The overall weather is hot with high levels of humidity. The summer season lasts from March to June, while the rainy season between June and September. The southwest monsoon wets the city between June and September. Mumbai also receives showers from the north-east monsoon winds in October and November. The mean annual rainfall in the main city is 2146.6 mm, and in the suburbs it is 2457 mm. The city has an average annual temperature of 27.2 degree Celsius while the average yearly precipitation is 2167 mm.
How to reach
Being the commercial and entertainment capital of India, the city is well connected to the rest of India and world. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which serves the city, is the second busiest airport in India. The airfield is connected to major cities within the country as well as around the globe, and hosts numerous flights to and from its domestic and international terminals, daily. Moreover, Juhu Aerodrome currently hosts the Bombay Flying Club and is a heliport, operated by the state-owned helicopter firm, Pawan Hans.
With the Western and Central Railways headquarters located here, Mumbai is linked to all the important towns and cities within the state and across India. The two major railway stations in Mumbai are Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Mumbai Central. Besides, Dadar, Churchgate and Kurla are other railway stations, serving the city.
Mumbai is suitably connected by an extensive road network to the rest of India. Maharashtra government along with private service providers operate standard and luxury buses to within and outside the city. A number of highways also connect the city with important cities and tourists destinations within Maharashtra.
Getting Around
The Mumbai Suburban Railways, which connects major points within the city and suburbs, is one of the major modes of transportation for Mumbaikars. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) offers bus services, both basic and air conditioned that cover most parts of the metropolitan region along with several sections of Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander and Thane. Besides, other local agencies like Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport and Thane Municipal Transport also runs buses within the city.
Chauffeur-driven taxi is another option that could be availed for a personalised trip. Air-conditioned and the iconic black and yellow taxis are easily available at major railway stations and airport. A relatively cheaper option, auto-rickshaw serves the same purpose. Mumbai Monorail and Mumbai Metro are two other constituents of the rapid transit system of the metropolis. Ferry service is the only means of transportation to access some of the famous points of interest like Elephanta Caves and Madh Island.
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