Mumbai Bio: How A small dingy Island becomes A thriving Metropolis
The commercial capital and the gateway to India for the western world, Mumbai is one of the most vibrant cities on the earth. Originally an archipelago inhabited by fishermen and such other folks, the city is today home to the biggest corporate houses, billionaires and the most recognized celebrities of the world. Mumbai thrives on contrasts, and has been a dream destination for many. The city incurred its name by its original habitants, who used to call it Mumbai after their patron goddess Mumba Devi. Before coming into hands of Portuguese in early 16 th century, Mumbai was ruled by a Hindu King Bhim Dev and then by the Sultans of Gujarat. Portuguese called it Bom Bahia – the beautiful bay – which later became Bombay. In 1661, Portuguese gifted the city to British as part of dowry, when Princess Catherine of Braganza espoused Charles II of Britain. Underestimating the city’s potentials, Prince Charles gave it on lease to East India Company at a ludicrous rate of 10 pounds ...