Bombay

Bombay
Name	Bombay
Native name	Mumbai
Settlement type	Metropolis
Coordinates	19, 04, 33, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Maharashtra
Established title	Founded
Established date	1507 (by Portuguese)
Established title2	Ceded to Britain
Established date2	1661
Established title3	Municipal Corporation
Established date3	1888
Founder	Francisco de Almeida
Government type	Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Governing body	Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	(Vacant)
Leader title1	Municipal Commissioner
Leader name1	Bhushan Gagrani
Area total km2	603
Elevation m	14
Population total	12,478,447
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	20,748,395
Population metro footnotes	(Mumbai Metropolitan Region)
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	400 001 to 400 107
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	+91-22
Registration plate	MH-01
Blank name sec1	Official language
Blank info sec1	Marathi
Website	https://portal.mcgm.gov.in/

Bombay. A major port city on the west coast of India, it is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of the nation. The city's deep natural harbour has facilitated its growth from a cluster of seven islands into a global metropolis, housing pivotal institutions like the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange. Renowned for its vibrant Bollywood film industry and architectural landmarks such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, it is a densely populated urban center of immense economic and cultural significance.

History

The archipelago was home to communities like the Koli people before coming under the control of successive indigenous empires. In 1508, the Portuguese Empire took possession, with the islands formally ceded to them in 1534 through the Treaty of Bassein. Control passed to the British East India Company in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza to King Charles II. Major reclamation projects in the 18th and 19th centuries, initiated under William Hornby, merged the islands into a single landmass. The city became a key hub during the American Civil War cotton boom and later a central site for the Indian independence movement, witnessing events like the Quit India Movement. Following independence, it became the capital of Bombay State until the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 and the Bombay Reorganisation Act of 1960 led to the creation of Maharashtra.

Geography

Situated on the Konkan coast, it occupies a peninsula on the mainland and the original islands, now largely connected through reclamation. The city's topography is generally flat, with its highest point being the 450-meter Salsette hill range. The coastline is indented by numerous creeks and bays, most notably the expansive Bombay Harbour and Back Bay. Key water bodies include the Mithi River, which drains into the Arabian Sea, and the lakes of Powai, Tulsi, and Vihar that supply part of the city's water. The region experiences a tropical climate, influenced by the southwest monsoon.

Demographics

With a population exceeding twelve million, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The metropolitan area is a melting pot of communities from across India, with major linguistic groups including speakers of Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, and English. Historically, it has been home to significant Parsi and Bene Israel Jewish communities. Religious diversity encompasses Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The city has attracted migrants for centuries, contributing to its cosmopolitan character and complex social fabric.

Economy

It serves as the economic engine of India, contributing a substantial portion of the nation's income tax and corporate tax revenue. The city hosts the headquarters of major financial institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the National Stock Exchange of India. Key industries encompass film production, information technology, telecommunications, and petrochemical refining at centers like the Navi Mumbai area. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, located across the harbour, is one of India's busiest container ports. The city's economy is also driven by sectors like diamond polishing, textiles, and a vast informal services sector.

Culture

The city is synonymous with the Hindi film industry, Bollywood, based in districts like Film City. It is a major center for arts, hosting institutions like the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Jehangir Art Gallery. Architectural heritage ranges from Victorian Gothic structures like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the University of Mumbai to art deco buildings along Marine Drive. The city's culinary scene reflects its diversity, from street food like vada pav to fine dining. Major festivals celebrated include Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, and Christmas.

Administration and politics

The city is administered by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, one of the world's largest municipal bodies, headed by a Municipal Commissioner, an Indian Administrative Service officer. The city is divided into administrative wards, each represented by a corporator in the corporation. It is the capital of Maharashtra, housing the state legislature at the Mantralaya and the official residence of the Chief Minister at Varsha. The city is represented in the Parliament of India by Members of Parliament from its six Lok Sabha constituencies. The Bombay High Court has jurisdiction over the states of Maharashtra and Goa.

Category:Cities in Maharashtra Category:Port cities in India Category:Former Portuguese colonies