Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Located on the western coast of India, it is the most populous city in India and serves as the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of the country.

History

• Originally a group of seven islands ruled by various indigenous dynasties and the Portuguese
• Transferred to the British through the dowry of Catherine of Braganza in 1661
• Became an important port city and the commercial center during British India
• Renamed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995 to reflect Marathi heritage

Economy

• Headquarters of major financial institutions: Reserve Bank of India, Bombay Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange
• Hosts corporate offices of top Indian and multinational companies
• Known for sectors like finance, entertainment, IT, textiles, and real estate

Culture and Society

• Heart of the Hindi film industry (Bollywood)
• Home to diverse communities and religions
• Famous festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali, Eid, Christmas
• Rich in theater, music, literature, and street food culture

Education and Institutions

• Premier institutions: University of Mumbai, IIT Bombay, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, St. Xavier’s College
• Numerous schools and international educational boards

Transportation

• India's busiest suburban rail network: Western, Central, and Harbour lines
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
• Mumbai Metro and Monorail systems
• Mumbai Port Trust and JNPT serve major shipping operations

Landmarks

• Gateway of India
• Marine Drive
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Elephanta Caves
• Haji Ali Dargah

Challenges

• Slum population and housing crisis
• Flooding and monsoon-related infrastructure issues
• Pollution and traffic congestion

See Also

• Maharashtra
• Bollywood
• Bombay High Court
• Indian Cities
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj