Happy TravellerWelcome to Mumbai, the bustling capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern technology. With a population of over 12.5 million people, Mumbai is the most populous city in India and the sixth most populous metropolitan area in the world. Mumbai is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, and a rich cultural heritage.
Mumbai is a city of dreams, where people from all over India come to make their fortunes. It is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, and one of the world’s top ten centers of commerce in terms of global financial flow. Mumbai generates 6.16% of India’s GDP, and accounts for 25% of industrial output, 70% of maritime trade in India, and 70% of capital transactions to India’s economy. The city is home to important financial institutions and the corporate headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations.
Mumbai is also known for its vibrant film industry, Bollywood, which produces more films than any other city in the world. The city is also home to the Marathi cinema industry, which produces films in the Marathi language. Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where the rich and famous live side by side with the poor and marginalized.
Mumbai has a rich cultural heritage, with a history that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The city was built on what was once an archipelago of seven islands, which were inhabited by the Koli fishing community. The islands came under the control of successive indigenous dynasties, before being ruled by the Shilaharas from 810 to 1260. The islands were later governed by the independent Gujarat Sultanate, which was established in 1407. The islands were leased to several Portuguese officers during their regime, before being ceded to the English Empire in 1661.
Mumbai is a city of many names, which reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. The name Mumbai is derived from Mumbā or Mahā-Ambā, the name of the patron goddess Mumbadevi of the native Koli community, and āī meaning mother in the Marathi language. The city was also known as Bombay, the official name until 1995, which was derived from the Portuguese phrase bom baim, meaning good little bay. The city has also been called Kakamuchee and Galajunkja, names that are still used today.
Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern technology. It is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, and a rich cultural heritage. Mumbai is a city of dreams, where people from all over India come to make their fortunes. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities, Mumbai is a must-visit destination for any traveler to India.
