History Of Mumbai
The city of Mumbai which was initially a conglomeration of seven islands, has long history of inhabitation. Initially it was occupied by the fishing communities. There are records of it being ruled by many ancient dynasties starting from Mauryas to Satavahanas, Western Kshatrapas, Abhiras, Vakatakas, Kalachuris, Konkan Mauryas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and finally Silhara dynasty in the succession. Jogeshwari Caves, Elephanta Caves, Walkeshwar Temple and Banganga Tank are some important contributions of these dynasties to the cultural heritage of the city. Thereafter Delhi sultanate controlled it for second half of 14th century which appointed Muslim governors from Gujrat for the administration. After this independent Gujarat sultanate was established here. Famous mosque, haji ali dargah was constructed by these rulers.
Finally the Portuguese occupied these islands and started era of European rule. This resulted in the spread of Roman Catholic religion and many churches came up in the area during the course of time. In 1661, most of the area of islands came under possession of British as a result of the marriage treaty between English King Charles II and Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza. With this Bom baia of portugese became Bombay. These islands were leased to the British East India Company in 1668 which later made it their headquarter. An important engineering project of British known as Hornby Vellard was started in the mid 18th century. It gave Mumbai its present face by joining seven islands and construction of roads and railways. Subsequently Bombay was transformed into a large sea port of the Arabian sea. Under British rule it served as the capital of Bombay presidency. As Bombay began to grow as trading town, it attracted migrants from all over india. Parsis, Gujaratis, Marwaris and Muslims, all immigrated here for setting up their business. Its growth as a chief cotton trading market in 1860s added o lot to citys rising stature.
The city also played important role in Indias struggle for freedom particularly during Quit India Movement. The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny is a remarkable event which took place in Bombay. After independence, the city became part of the Bombay State and served as its capital. In 1950s demands of creating separate Maharashtra state on linguistic basis gained momentum. In 1960 the new state of Maharashtra with Bombay as its capital was created by separating Gujarat form the erstwhile Bombay state and merging some districts from Central Provinces and Berar and Hyderabad State. The city was renamed as Mumbai in 1996.
Finally the Portuguese occupied these islands and started era of European rule. This resulted in the spread of Roman Catholic religion and many churches came up in the area during the course of time. In 1661, most of the area of islands came under possession of British as a result of the marriage treaty between English King Charles II and Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza. With this Bom baia of portugese became Bombay. These islands were leased to the British East India Company in 1668 which later made it their headquarter. An important engineering project of British known as Hornby Vellard was started in the mid 18th century. It gave Mumbai its present face by joining seven islands and construction of roads and railways. Subsequently Bombay was transformed into a large sea port of the Arabian sea. Under British rule it served as the capital of Bombay presidency. As Bombay began to grow as trading town, it attracted migrants from all over india. Parsis, Gujaratis, Marwaris and Muslims, all immigrated here for setting up their business. Its growth as a chief cotton trading market in 1860s added o lot to citys rising stature.
The city also played important role in Indias struggle for freedom particularly during Quit India Movement. The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny is a remarkable event which took place in Bombay. After independence, the city became part of the Bombay State and served as its capital. In 1950s demands of creating separate Maharashtra state on linguistic basis gained momentum. In 1960 the new state of Maharashtra with Bombay as its capital was created by separating Gujarat form the erstwhile Bombay state and merging some districts from Central Provinces and Berar and Hyderabad State. The city was renamed as Mumbai in 1996.
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