Bombay and Mumbai are synonymous appellations for a prominent metropolis in the Indian subcontinent. Once bestowed by the British imperialists during their reign of colonial dominance, Bombay graced the city’s nomenclature until a pivotal juncture when it underwent a profound transformation to embrace its authentic Marathi heritage, subsequently emerging as Mumbai, the ordained designation.
Detailed response
In the realm of India’s western coastline lies a bustling city known by two distinct names: Bombay and Mumbai. The metamorphosis from Bombay to Mumbai signifies an embrace of its true local essence and a reclamation of its profound historical heritage. Let us immerse ourselves in the intricacies and unravel the nuances that set Bombay and Mumbai apart.
- Historical Background:
Bombay, derived from the Portuguese name “Bom Bahia” meaning “Good Bay,” was the original name given to the city by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The city came under British control in 1661 and remained a British colony until India gained independence in 1947. Throughout the colonial era, it was predominantly known as Bombay.
- The Name Change:
In 1995, the city officially changed its name from Bombay to Mumbai. This renaming was driven by a desire to shed the colonial name and embrace the city’s Marathi heritage. Mumbai derives its name from the Hindu goddess Mumbadevi, a deity worshipped by the original inhabitants of the region, the Koli community.
- Cultural Significance:
The change of name from Bombay to Mumbai was not merely a linguistic alteration but also represented a shift in cultural identity. Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and is predominantly inhabited by Marathi-speaking people. The name change aimed to reflect this local cultural influence and foster a sense of pride in the city’s heritage.
- Resurgence of Marathi Language:
The renaming of the city also brought about a resurgence in the usage and promotion of the Marathi language. Along with the name change, various other places, streets, and institutions within the city were also renamed to reflect the local language and culture.
- Impact on the Film Industry:
The thriving Hindi film industry, colloquially known as “Bollywood,” is located in Mumbai. The name change had a significant impact on the industry, and the term “Bollywood” gained popularity worldwide, highlighting the influence of Mumbai as the center of Indian cinema.
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Interesting Facts:
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Mumbai is the most populous city in India and the second-most populous city in the world.
- It is home to the iconic Gateway of India, a monument built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India.
- Mumbai’s local suburban train network, known as the “Mumbai Local,” is one of the busiest rail networks globally, ferrying millions of commuters daily.
- Dabbawalas, a group of lunchbox delivery men in Mumbai, are famous for their efficient and error-free delivery system, recognized worldwide for its accuracy and precision.
In the words of India’s renowned author Salman Rushdie, “Bombay is a city whose name reflects the multi-lingual and cosmopolitan ideas of what India stands for.” The transition from Bombay to Mumbai represents a journey towards embracing local culture, reclaiming identity, and celebrating the rich heritage of this bustling metropolis.
Table: Renamed Places in Mumbai
| Old Name | New Name |
| Bombay High Court | Mumbai High Court |
| Victoria Terminus | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus |
| Elphinstone Road | Prabhadevi |
| Sahar International Airport | Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport |
| etc. | etc. |
Response via video
The video explains that the name change from Bombay to Mumbai was officially done in 1995 on the orders of Balasaheb Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena party, in order to promote the use of the Marathi word. Originally, the city of Mumbai was made up of seven islands, which were joined together by the British due to its strategic importance and excellent waters for shipping. The name Mumbai comes from the local fishing community, the Kolis, and is derived from the Koli temple ‘Mumbadevi’ and the Marathi word for Mother, ‘Aai’. The name ‘Bombay’ originated from the Portuguese explorer Gaspar Correia, who called it ‘Bombaim’ meaning ‘Good Bay’, but the British had difficulties pronouncing it, hence the name ‘Bombay’.
There are additional viewpoints
Mumbai and Bombay shouldn’t be confused with each other because they refer to one and the same city name. It’s just that Mumbai is the new name of the metropolitan city of Maharashtra while Bombay was its former name.
Mumbai and Bombay are the names of the same city, the capital of the state of Maharashtra. Bombay is the former name, while Mumbai is the new name. Bombay came from Bombai, but Mumbai came from “Mumba Aai”. Bombay means little bay, but Mumbai means goddess kali. Mumbai is considered as the financial capital, not Bombay. Britishers gave the name Bombay, but the government gave the name Mumbai.
Bombay is the former name, but Mumbai is the new name. Bombay came from Bombai, but Mumbai came from “Mumba Aai.” Bombay means little bay, but Mumbai means goddess kali. Mumbai is considered as the financial capital, not Bombay. Britishers gave the name Bombay, but The government gave the name Mumbai.
1.Mumbai is the new name for India’s chief, financial district. 2.“Bombay” is the former name of “Mumbai” which is the metropolitan city of Maharashtra. 3.A Portuguese writer coined the name “Bombai,” which was derived from a term that means “good, little bay.” Shortly after, it was the British who formally changed it to Bombay.
Difference between Mumbai and Bombay • There is no difference between Mumbai and Bombay as these are names of the same city that is the capital of the state of Maharashtra • Bombay is the name given to the city by British that is a corruption of the word Portuguese Bom Bahia, meaning Good Bay.
Also people ask
Moreover, Is Mumbai and Bombay the same thing? That name is believed to be an Anglicized version of the city’s name from when it was occupied by the Portuguese — "Bom Bahia," which means "good bay." Both Bombay and Mumbai are now used interchangeably by locals during casual conversation.
Similar
Also, Why is Mumbai no longer called Bombay?
The reply will be: When Shiv Sena came into power in Maharashtra in 1995, they wanted to shed the legacy of British colonialism. The party wanted the city’s name to reflect the Maratha heritage. Thus officially, Bombay became Mumbai – named after the goddess Mumbadevi, the city’s patron deity.
Similarly one may ask, When did they change the name of Bombay to Mumbai?
The answer is: Mumbai (Marathi: मुंबई), from Bombay, renamed in 1995.
Besides, Is the old name of Mumbai is Bombay? In 1996, the newly elected Shiv Sena-led government renamed the city of Bombay to the native name Mumbai, after the Koli native Marathi people Goddess Mumbadevi.
Subsequently, Is Mumbai the same as Bombay?
Response: Bombay and Mumbai is one and the same. Bombay was named during British era, couple of years back it was renamed to Mumbai. Some areas in Mumbai are specifically good and some are bad. The South Mumbai is great but pretty expensive.
Additionally, Why is Bombay now called Mumbai?
Answer will be: Why did Bombay change its name to Mumbai? When the right-wing Hindu nationalist party Shiv Sena came to power they ordered the name change. This was because Bombay was associated with the British…
Likewise, When did Bombay change to Mumbai?
In the mid-1990s, Shiv Sena, the Hindu nationalist party in power in Bombay, decided to change the city’s name to Mumbai, a name often used in local languages that derives from Mumba Devi, the patron Hindu goddess of the island’s original residents, the Koli fishermen.