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Prehistoric and Ancient Period (Stone Age to 1000 CE)

Mumbai’s history begins with its geological formation around 100–80 million years ago, when the western Indian coast separated from Madagascar, and volcanic activity from the Réunion hotspot created the Deccan Traps, including basaltic outcrops like Gilbert Hill. By the Stone Age, indigenous tribes, notably the Koli and Aagri (Marathi-Konkani fishing communities), inhabited the islands, as evidenced by Pleistocene sediments found near Kandivali in 1939.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)[](https://testbook.com/history-of/mumbai)

• Early Trade (1000 BCE): The islands engaged in seaborne trade with Egypt and Persia, leveraging their strategic coastal location.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)

• Mauryan Empire (3rd Century BCE): Under Emperor Ashoka, Mumbai became a center of Hindu-Buddhist culture, with the islands part of the Magadhan Empire.

[](https://testbook.com/history-of/mumbai)[](https://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/history/)

• Successive Dynasties (2nd Century BCE–10th Century CE): The islands were ruled by indigenous dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Abhiras, Vakatakas, Kalachuris, Konkan Mauryas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Silharas. The Silhara dynasty (810–1260 CE) left significant marks, constructing the Walkeshwar Temple (10th century) and Banganga Tank (12th century).

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)[](https://www.britannica.com/place/Mumbai/History)

Medieval Period (1000 CE–1534 CE)

By the late 13th century, King Bhimdev, likely of the Yadava or Anahilavada dynasty, established a kingdom in Mahikavati (modern Mahim), introducing settlers like the Pathare Prabhus from Gujarat and building the Babulnath Temple. The islands came under Islamic rule when the Delhi Sultanate captured them in 1348, followed by the Gujarat Sultanate in 1391.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)[](https://testbook.com/history-of/mumbai)

• Marco Polo’s Visit (1292): The Italian traveler’s fleet passed through Mumbai Harbour, noting its commercial significance.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)

• Gujarat Sultanate (1391–1534): The islands were a key trading hub under Gujarat’s rule, with references to the city as “Manbai” in historical texts.

[](https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-history-of-how-bombay-became-mumbai-in-1-minute)

Colonial Period (1534–1947)

The Portuguese gained control of Mumbai in 1534 via the Treaty of Bassein, signed between Viceroy Nuno da Cunha and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, ending Islamic rule. The islands were leased to Mestre Diogo and saw the growth of Portuguese religious orders. In 1661, Mumbai was ceded to the British as part of Catherine of Braganza’s dowry to Charles II, who leased it to the East India Company in 1668.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)[](https://www.britannica.com/place/Mumbai/History)

• British Development (1668–1845): Under governors like Gerald Aungier, Mumbai became a commercial hub. The Hornby Vellard project (1782–1845) reclaimed land, merging the seven islands into a single landmass. The city’s population grew, and infrastructure like roads, railways, and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (1865) was established.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)[](https://mumbaicity.gov.in/history/)[](https://www.mumbaionline.in/guide/history-of-mumbai)

• Economic Boom (19th Century): The American Civil War (1860s) boosted Mumbai’s cotton trade, while the Suez Canal’s opening (1869) and Asia’s first railway (1853, Bombay to Thane) solidified its status as a global port. Textile mills emerged, laying the foundation for industrial growth.

[](https://mumbaicity.gov.in/history/)

• Freedom Struggle: Mumbai played a pivotal role in India’s independence movement, hosting the founding of the Indian National Congress (1885), the Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919), Gandhi’s Quit India Movement (1942) from Gowalia Tank Maidan, and the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946).

[](https://mumbaicity.gov.in/history/)[](https://testbook.com/history-of/mumbai)

Post-Independence and Modern Era (1947–Present)

After India’s independence in 1947, Mumbai became the capital of Bombay State. The Samyukta Maharashtra Movement led to the creation of Maharashtra in 1960, with Mumbai as its capital. The city was officially renamed Mumbai in 1995, honoring the Koli goddess Mumbadevi, a move to shed colonial influence and affirm Marathi identity.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)[](https://mumbaicity.gov.in/history/)

• Economic and Cultural Growth: Mumbai emerged as India’s financial capital, home to the Bombay Stock Exchange and Bollywood, the world’s most prolific film industry, pioneered by Dadasaheb Phalke in the early 20th century. Suburbs like Bandra, Andheri, and Borivali were incorporated, fueling urban expansion.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai)[](https://www.mumbai.org.uk/history.html)

• Challenges: The city faced challenges like the 1992–93 communal riots, the 1993 bombings, and the 2008 terrorist attacks at the Taj Hotel and other sites, which killed 166 people. Despite these, Mumbai’s resilience shone through.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mumbai)[](https://mumbaicity.gov.in/history/)

• Modern Mumbai: Today, Mumbai is India’s most populous city (12.5 million) and a global alpha city, with a metropolitan population exceeding 23 million. It remains a cultural melting pot, celebrating festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and hosting institutions like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and Jehangir Art Gallery.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai)

Origin of the Name

The name “Mumbai” derives from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fishing community. Historical texts also mention names like Kakamuchee, Galajunkja, and Manbai. The Portuguese called it “Bom Bahia” (Good Bay), anglicized by the British as “Bombay,” possibly from “Bom Baim.” The 1995 renaming to Mumbai reflected a reclaiming of indigenous identity, though colonial names like Bombay persist in historical contexts.

[](https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-history-of-how-bombay-became-mumbai-in-1-minute)[](https://www.mumbai.org.uk/history.html)

Rise as India’s Economic Capital

Mumbai’s transformation into India’s economic capital began under British rule, with its natural harbor and strategic location fostering trade. The cotton boom during the American Civil War, the Suez Canal’s opening, and railway development elevated its global trade status. Post-independence, the growth of industries, Bollywood, and financial institutions like the Bombay Stock Exchange cemented its role. Today, Mumbai hosts the highest number of billionaires in Asia and drives India’s commercial landscape.

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai)[](https://mumbaicity.gov.in/history/)