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Whether you call it Bombay or Mumbai, for any person who stays here, it will always be known as Amchi Mumbai. Mumbai is also known as the city of dreams and is considered as the economic capital of the country. It is also one of the most populous city in India.
Mumbai is located at the west coast of Maharashtra, and is seen as an integral natural harbour that records about 70 % of the marine trade of India. The city is also known as Shanghai of India, with the large amount of technology and standards that raise a competition to the global market.
The city is also home to the Bollywood film industry which entertains millions and millions of people across the globe.
Mumbai is an extensive group of islands, which are connected together to shape the economic hub of the country. The basic model of the city was sketched out by the Portuguese, who later on claimed their possession over the seven islands of Mumbai.
Let's have a look at these seven islands that built the city of dreams, Mumbai.
1. Bombay Island
Also known as the Isle of Bombay, the island operated as the centre and the main harbour during the British Empire. The central city was stretched from the present day Dongri to Malabar Hill.
This island has an undeniable history, which dates back to the Mauryan period and the state signs of Buddhist teachings in the western coast of India.
The coastal importance of the island attracted invaders from across the globe. The place was also under the governance of the Delhi Sultanate, Gujarat Sultanate, Bahamani Sultanate of Deccan and eventually the British Empire.
PC: Ramnath Bhat
2. Mahim
Locally known as Maijim and Mejambu, the island of Mahim is located at the westernmost edge of the city. The island was the capital of the Raja Bhimdev's Empire in the 13th century, which was given an important stature by the installation of a court of Justice in Prabhadevi.
The island later on came to the hands of the Portuguese in the year 1543, but gifted Mahim along with seven other islands to the British ruler, King Charles as a dowry. The iconic Mahim fort was later on built by the English army in order to safeguard themselves from the attack of Portuguese.
PC: Nicholas
3. Colaba
Before the Britishers invading this island in the 17th century, the Portuguese had named the island as Candil. However, Colaba means the territory of the Kolis, who are the native fishermen.
In 1534 after the Treaty of Bassein, the island was acquired by the Portuguese and they controlled the island for almost a century from Goa. After the governance of the Britishers from 1672 to 1863, the island was declared as a separate municipal ward in the year 1872.
PC: Roshan Nikam
4. Parel
Well-known for the cotton mills that surround the island, Parel is the modern face of Mumbai, which houses skyscrapers, apartments and luxurious hotels who dominate the area. Similar to the islands of Mahin, Parel too was under the realm of Raja Bhimdev in the 13th century.
However, after the Portuguese invasion of Mumbai, the island was authorized to a Jesuit priest. Although the island had earned its noble pleasure ever since the Governor of Bombay, William Hornby shifted his residence to the island in the year 1770.
PC: Kunal Ghevaria
5. Mazagoan
Pronounced as Mazhgav which translates to the village of fishing, Mazagoan contributes majority of the land area in Southern Mumbai. The island showcased the influences of the Portuguese invaders by the construction of the Gloria church in the year 1632.
All said and done, by the end of the 17th century, the island had evolved itself into the outlying suburb of Mumbai. The island had witnessed several dock projects during the British Raj and also in the historical bridging with the Malabar hill.
PC: Priya 2887
6. Worli
Generally known as Worlee or Varli, this island is better known as the land of the Kalsi. The island is well-known for the Haji Ali Dargah which is constructed atop a rock in the sea.
Although the island is an important feature of the city, Worli was connected to the capital city only in 1784. Similarly the water pumping station on Dr Annie Besant road, was designed during the British Raj which allowed water to flow through its gates during low tides.
PC: Humayunn Peerzaada
7. Old Women's Island
The island is located in the North of Colaba and is relatively the smallest island in comparison to the others in the city. The island is also sometimes known as Little Colaba, it is also known as Al - Omani as the native Koli fishermen once went fishing till the Gulf of Oman.
PC: Dennis Jarvis
