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Capital of Maharashtra, Historical Significance of Mumbai 

Candidates can check out Capital of Maharashtra in this article. Additionally, it contains the detail about Historical Significance of Mumbai, Modern Developments in Mumbai and Fascinating Facts about Mumbai.
authorImageGoldi Tomar6 Dec, 2024
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Capital of Maharashtra

Capital of Maharashtra: The capital of Maharashtra is the famous financial capital city Mumbai. Mumbai is commonly known as India's commercial, entertainment, and financial hub. Bombay was the official name of Mumbai until 1995. More information on Maharashtra and India's financial hub will be provided in this post.

Also read: Famous cities in Maharashtra

Overview on Mumbai

Mumbai was bestowed with the esteemed status of being the world's alpha city in 2008. In addition to having the largest concentration of billionaires and millionaires in India, Mumbai is well-known for its affluent and fast-paced lifestyle.
  • For millennia, the Koli people have lived in fishing settlements on the seven islands that make up Mumbai.
  • Before coming under Portuguese domination and then the East India Company, these islands were governed by a number of regional kingdoms.
  • With the Hornby Vellard plan, which reclaimed land from the sea to increase its territory, Bombay saw a significant alteration by the middle of the 18th century.
  • Bombay became India's leading seaport along the Arabian Sea coast in 1845 after a significant rehabilitation project and the building of important roads and railroads furthered its development.

Freedom fighters of Maharashtra

Historical Significance of Mumbai

Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai has a storied past that is of centuries back . Originally a group of seven islands, the city was ruled by the Gujarat Sultanate, the Chalukyas, and the Mauryas, among others. In 1534, the Portuguese took control of the islands and later ceded them to the British East India Company in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza. This marked the beginning of British rule in Mumbai. The British built Mumbai as a hub for industry and commerce and turned it into a significant trading station. The city Mumbai has played an important role in India's fight for freedom and witnessed significant occasions like the Quit India Movement. After the state was established in 1960, then Mumbai was formally named the capital of Maharashtra.

Traditional Foods of Maharashtra

Modern Developments in Mumbai

Mumbai has been growing rapidly with many new projects that are changing the city. The metro system is expanding, making travel easier and faster, and new roads like the Coastal Road and Eastern Freeway are helping reduce traffic. The city is also seeing the rise of tall buildings and new apartments, especially in areas like Dharavi, which is being redeveloped to provide better homes. Mumbai is working on being more environmentally friendly with solar energy, waste recycling, and protecting green spaces like Aarey Colony. There are also efforts to make the city smarter, with better internet, safety measures, and more public spaces along the coast for people to enjoy. All these changes are helping Mumbai grow into a more modern, connected, and sustainable city.

Historical Places of Maharashtra

Fascinating Facts about Mumbai

Here are some of the interesting facts about Mumbai –
  • As mentioned earlier, Mumbai is called after the local deity, "Mumba Devi." In this instance, the name is a combination of the words "Mumba," which refers to the deity, and "aai," which means "mother."
  • Despite its wealth, Mumbai is home to one of the biggest slums in the world. There are between 700,000 and 1,000,000 people living in Dharavi in particular. It is ranked as the fourth largest slum in the world and the largest slum in Asia.
  • Charles II of England, who was to marry his daughter Catherine of Braganza, received Bombay as part of a dowry gift from King John IV of Portugal in 1661. From 1534 to 1665, the seven islands that make up Bombay were ruled by the Portuguese.
  • Mumbai is known as being the first Indian city to offer bus service.

Capital of Maharashtra FAQs

Is Nagpur also a capital of Maharashtra?

The city lost its capital position following the first state reorganization, but after political leaders signed the "Nagpur Pact," it was designated as Maharashtra's second capital.

What is the old name of Maharashtra?

Indian state Maharashtra as popularly known as Bombay Presidency, which was created by the British

Which is the largest city in Maharashtra?

Mumbai is the biggest city in Maharashtra 

What is the nickname of Mumbai?

Mumbai is called with two other names that are Hollywood  of India or Financial Capital of India. 
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