Mumbai got its name from the Hindu goddess Mumbadevi, whose temple was built on the site of the present-day city. The name Mumbai is derived from the name of the goddess and the word “Aai” which means mother in Marathi, the regional language of the state of Maharashtra where Mumbai is located.
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Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Its name has an interesting origin that reflects the city’s deep-rooted connections to Hindu mythology and the local language, Marathi.
Mumbai got its name from the Hindu goddess Mumbadevi, who is believed to be the patron deity of the Koli fishermen, the original inhabitants of the region. A temple dedicated to Mumbadevi was constructed on the site that is now the thriving metropolis of Mumbai. The name Mumbai is derived from the goddess “Mumba” and “Aai,” which means mother in Marathi. Thus, Mumbai can be translated to “Mother Mumba” or “Mother Goddess.”
The significance of Mumbadevi and her influence is beautifully described by cultural critic and novelist Suketu Mehta, who writes, “Mumbai was named after Mumbadevi, goddess of the Koli fishermen, the original inhabitants of the seven islands that today constitute the city. Mumbaidevi is the goddess of Mumbai, its watcher, and its protector.”
To delve deeper into the fascinating history of Mumbai, here are some interesting facts:
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Seven Islands: Mumbai was originally a collection of seven islands, which were later merged through land reclamation to form a cohesive landmass.
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Portuguese and British Rule: Mumbai witnessed the reign of various powers, including the Portuguese and the British, before becoming a part of independent India in 1947.
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Financial Hub: Mumbai is not only the entertainment capital of India but also the financial hub of the country. It houses the Bombay Stock Exchange, one of the oldest stock exchanges in Asia.
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Bollywood: Known as the heart of the Indian film industry, Mumbai proudly hosts Bollywood, where countless movies are produced every year. The city has been a source of inspiration for filmmakers worldwide.
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Diverse Culture: Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures, welcoming people from different parts of India and across the globe. It embraces diversity and offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indian traditions and customs.
Here is a glimpse of the seven islands of Mumbai and their merger into the bustling city of today:
| Island | Status |
|---|---|
| Isle of Bombay | Merged with other islands |
| Colaba | Merged into Isle of Bombay |
| Old Woman’s Island | Merged into Isle of Bombay |
| Mahim | Merged into Isle of Bombay |
| Mazagaon | Merged into Isle of Bombay |
| Parel | Merged into Isle of Bombay |
| Worli | Merged into Isle of Bombay |
Mumbai, often referred to as the “City of Dreams,” is a testament to the remarkable blend of history, mythology, and contemporary life. Whether exploring its iconic landmarks, indulging in the local cuisine, or immersing oneself in its bustling streets, Mumbai offers an experience like no other.
As an expert with practical knowledge and a deep understanding of Mumbai’s cultural significance, I can confidently say that the name Mumbai encapsulates the enduring connection between the city’s people, their beliefs, and their roots in Hindu mythology.
A video response to “How Did Mumbai get its name?”
The video delves into the reasons behind the name change from Bombay to Mumbai. It explains that Mumbai is an older name for the city, derived from the temple of the Kali goddess, while Bombay was given by Portuguese explorer Gasper Correa and later anglicized. The name change in 1995 was a way for the political party in Maharashtra to celebrate the city’s heritage. This change is part of a larger trend in India, with other cities undergoing name changes as well.
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The name Mumbai (Marathi: मुंबई) is derived from Mumbā or Mahā-Ambā—the name of the patron Hindu goddess (kuladevata) Mumbadevi of the native Koli community—and from ā’ī, meaning "mother" in the Marathi language, which is the mother tongue of the Koli people and the official language of Maharashtra.
Mumbai was initially called Bombay, a name that may have originated from the Portuguese word "Bom Baim" meaning "good harbour". The name Mumbai was derived from the local goddess Mumbadevi, the city’s patron deity. The name Mumbai was officially restored in 1995 by the central government, although Bombay remained in common usage.
It became known as Bombay during the British colonial period, the name possibly an Anglicized corruption of Mumbai or perhaps of Bom Baim (“Good Harbour”), supposedly a Portuguese name for the locale. The name Mumbai was restored officially in 1995, although Bombay remained in common usage.
Mumbai was initially called Bombay. The name came from a Portuguese writer who called the place "Bom Baim" that meant "good little bay". The name Mumbai was derived from the local deity ‘Mumba Devi’. 3. Mumbai is the Alpha World City
Thus officially, Bombay became Mumbai – named after the goddess Mumbadevi, the city’s patron deity. In November 1195, the central government officially changed the English name to Mumbai in November 1995.
The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.
The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.
The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi. Is Mumbai famous in the world? The financial capital of India, Mumbai, has also made it to the list of the world’s most popular city destinations.
The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.
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In this regard, Why did they change the name from Bombay to Mumbai? Response to this: The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.
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When did Mumbai get its name? Response to this: 1996
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.
In this manner, Is it ok to call Mumbai Bombay?
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.
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What was Mumbai before it was called Mumbai? Bombay restored its name to Mumbai officially in 1995. It became known as Bombay during the British colonial period. The name Bombay was possibly an Anglicized corruption of Mumbai or perhaps of Bom Baim (“Good Harbour”), supposedly a Portuguese name for the locale.
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Accordingly, What was the reason for changing Bombay to Mumbai?
Response will be: The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.
One may also ask, When did Bombay officially change its name to Mumbai? Response to this: The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.
What did the Shiv Sena see Bombay as?
The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi. Is Mumbai famous in the world? The financial capital of India, Mumbai, has also made it to the list of the world’s most popular city destinations.
Also Know, How did the name Mumbai pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi?
The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.