Welcome to Mumbai- The Financial Capital of India, also well known as The Dream
City. Mumbai was formally known as Bombay. It is the capital of Maharashtra state and the city is situated in the western part of the country. It is also recognized as a global world city & Alpha World City because it is one of the top ten commerce centers for global financial flow.
Initially, Mumbai was composed of seven islands. These seven islands were Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Bombay, Worli, and Old Woman’s Island (also known as the Little Colaba). Koli people were the original habitats over these seven islands.
History of Mumbai -The Financial capital of India & also known as the Dream City.
Several dynasties and rulers ruled the place in ancient times. Maurya empire & the Satavanas (Dynasty from Andhra) ruled the states of Maharastra. The port of Sopara (present-day Nala Sopara) was an important trading centre during the 1st century BCE, with trade contact with Rome.
The hierarchy of rulers is in the order of The Mughal Dynasties, The Islamic period, The Portuguese and then the Britishers.
The project of reclamation of land began after the Britishers acquired their control over these seven islands. They got these islands from the Portuguese as dowry against the marriage of the Portuguese princess and British king.
The town is full of hopes and Dreams – and known as Mayanagari. Mumbai experiences large numbers migration in search of employment. It is considered the fastest metropolis that never sleeps. Millions of people come here to fulfil their dreams. It is the heart of Bollywood.
Mumbai holds a population of approximately 2.3 crores. Dharavi, the world’s largest city slum, is in Mumbai. Everyone, from the rich to the poor, has a place in the town. Being the financial capital, it generates lots of employment opportunities. The Economic Capital of India has home to millions of people that never sleep.
Explore some of the Famous Historic Places of Mumbai - The Financial Capital of India
Mumbai – The Financial Capital of India holds too many places rooted in history. Beauty and story lie in every corner here. Below are a few historical & ancient places in Mumbai.
Walkeshwar temple- Baan Ganga Tank
The temple is situated near Malabar hills in South Bombay and is known to be at the highest point in town. As per the mythology, when Lord Ram, on his journey from Ayodhya to Lanka in search of Sita, halt at this particular place. Lord Ram was instructed to worship Shiva. So on his halt, he built the Shiv Linga from sand, and that’s how the temple got its origin. The Walkeshwar temple is a Temple of Lord Shiva. From 810 to 1240 AD, the Silhara dynasty ruled these islands of Mumbai. Lakshman Prabhu and Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu, ministers of the Silhara rulers, constructed this temple.
Later, when the Portuguese got hold of these islands, they demolished the temple. In 1715 the temple was recognised and rebuilt by some businessmen and philanthropist, Rama Kamat, a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin. Several small temples were built near the Banganga tank.
Mumbadevi – The Goddess of the City
Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old & build in honour of Goddess Amba. The Koli people, the original inhabitants of the seven islands of Mumbai, worshipped the goddess Mumba Devi. The temples were first built in Bori-bunder & demolished in the 17th century. Mumba Devi is the patron goddess of the Koli community. The town was given a new name, Mumbai, in honour of the goddess Mumbadevi. Mumbai was given the official name of Bombay in 1995. At Bhuleshwar, later had a temple reconstruction. Maha Amba is what “Mumba” signifies (means mother god). Known as the mother of Mumbai, she is regarded as its founder & one of the attractions for tourists and pilgrims.
Kanheri Caves- The Buddhist Caves
These caves are in Borivali National Park, on the former island of Salsette near the western part of Mumbai. These caves hold an ancient background. The caves originated in the first century, and Buddhists were the first to settle by the third century.
The walls of these caves embody Buddhist paintings, relief carvings, around 51 inscriptions, 26 epigraphs, and sculptures from the 1st century to the 10th century.
Gilbert Hill- A 66 million years old monument
One of the most unique hills in global history is Gilbert. In Mumbai’s Andheri West, there is a hill. Three such hills are discovered around the globe, and Gilbert Hill in Mumbai is one of them. This hill’s formation from molten lava is what makes it so distinctive. 66 million years ago, during the Mesozoic Era, lava was forced out of the Earth’s clefts and built the mountain. Even the majority of Mumbai residents are unaware that this unique treasure exists. It is historical & the residents of that region work hard to promote it.
Gilbert Hill is 200 ft (61 m) high & is a result of a volcanic eruption that happened millions of years ago. If you are a Mumbaikar or visiting Mumbai, visit this nature piece of nature art. On the hilltop, a temple is constructed. One can enjoy the beautiful view and sunset from the top of the hill.
The Dargah of Sufi Saint - Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari
The uniqueness of Haji Ali Dargah’s – it is surrounded by water.
In honour of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who spread Islam among those in his vicinity, this shrine was constructed in the fourteenth century. As per his last wish, he didn’t desire to be buried at a particular spot. He wanted his Qafan to drop into the ocean, and wherever the people found it, there he wanted to be buried. So that’s the reason the Dargah is in the middle of a water body. Now, irrespective of religion, every person can visit this place.
Elephanta caves - Elephanta island
Elephanta caves are located on Elephanta island, also called Gharapuri by locals is situated in the east of Mumbai. The island is famous for its cave temples.
Portuguese named this island – Elephanta island since they found the sculpture of an elephant at the entrance of this island. Before the Portuguese held control over the island, the main caves of these islands were the Hindu worship place. Later on, when Portuguese rule ended, British Indian officials took the initiative to maintain the caves in the year 1909.
There are several caves on the island, all these caves hold ancient sculptures of Lord shiva and other Buddhist sculptures. The forest area has Mango, karanji, tamarind, and palm trees on the island.
The Gate Way of India
A lot of people around the globe come to visit Gateway of India, which was built in the early 20th century to commemorate King-Emperor George V, the first British monarch to visit India. The foundation was laid in the year 1913 & construction got completed in the year 1924.
Apart from these few historical places, several other places are famous. You can visit these places for leisure and to see the sights.
- Marines Lines- Famous for City lights. One can get the best view of the city lights known as Queens Necklace.
- Nehru Planetarium
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Jija Mata Udyan- Rani Baug
- Kamla Nehru Park
- Hanging Garden
- Juhu Beach
- Siddhivinayak Temple
Famous Street foods in the City- Mumbai
Mumbai is famous for enormous things, among which food is one. Street food is the soul of Mumbai. Irrespective of the standard of living, all classes of people enjoy the street food of Mumbai. Famous Street foods are
Vada Paav
Mostly enjoyed over a cutting Chai (Tea) on the food stalls.
Tawa Pulao
One of the famous late-night food on the streets of Mumbai.
Pav Bhaji
Once this is the lunchtime meal for the mill worker. Now it is served in restaurants through out the city.
The Zunka Bhakar
Zunka Bhakar is the most affordable and nutritious old lunch in the city. This traditional Bombay dish is no longer available. It is the Maharashtrian meal & important part of Marathi cuisine popularly known as Pithla Bhakar.
In 1995 Shiv Sena initiated 6000 Zunka Bhakar Kendra to support lower-income groups to create employment opportunities.
Zunka Bhakar is prepared by mixing some water and Chickpea flour and then sauteed with garlic, ginger, green chillies, red chilli powder, coriander leaves, salt, mustard and cumin seed, and garnished with coriander. Bhakar is made from Jowar or bajri Flour.
This meal is very healthy and sold at a very cheap rate. All classes of people enjoyed this meal as it was very cost-effective and nutritious.
Apart from these, there are many other foods such as chaat, Dosa, Chinese food stalls, Gola stalls etc, that are famous across the city.
The famous places for street shopping in Mumbai
Crawford Market
Crawford market is one of the most famous & oldest markets in the city build in 18th century. At this market, one can find all types of things (food, clothing, Home décor materials, beauty shops), all at wholesale prices. You have good scope to bargain and buy products at affordable prices. This market is named after the first Municipal Commissioner of the city name Arthur Crawford.
Gandhi Market
Gandhi Market is well-known for traditional clothing shopping, particularly for wedding attire. It is situated outside King Circle Railway Station.
Colaba Causeway, Colaba
You can find the best multi-variation accessories at affordable prices.
Hill Road | Fashion street
Famous for western clothing and shoes at cheap prices. It is in Bandra.
Natraj Market
Natraj market is crowded with shops in the alley. The market is famous for shopping for wedding clothes. Varieties of ethnic clothing options are available along with footwear, accessories, western clothes and a few other items.
The city has a lot to offer, which is why it is known as the dream city of India. To experience the lifestyle of the metropolis is a dream for many. The nightlife, local train, street food, and arts are almost on every corner & are the culture of the dream city. The city holds so many people the overview of the city may differ from person to person, but for me, more than a place, Mumbai is a feeling and an emotion.
Thank you very much Rikita, for sharing such an insightful story about Mumbai. It helps people to know the city better. Indian Food Therapy Platform brings all the historical information about our Indian cities & food history. So, keep reading our blog to know India better.
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Mumbai is a dream city with lots of quality like they say sapno ki Nagri. keep it up Rikita
Absolutely mind blowing and knowledgeable. Great work you guys ☺
Wow such great details , amazingly described, love reading this article . Great work
Wow very nice❤️ Very much useful for residents of mumbai n also new residents from different states or cities🥰💯 Keep it up Rikita😍
Nice Blog. Loved it
Very informative content.
Good content rikita.👍 N very well presented.