The oldest known names for the city are Kakamuchee and Galajunkja; these are sometimes still used. Portuguese writer Gaspar Correia recorded the name "Bombaim" after 1512 in his Lendas da Índia (Legends of India).
What was the original name of Bombay?
The two oldest known names of the city are Kakamuchee and Galajunkja. Though some people still identify these names with the city, it was not in popular usage. Though 'Bombay' was used for centuries, many references to 'Mumbai' can be seen in history.
Who ruled Mumbai before British?
A Portuguese attempt to conquer Mahim failed in 1507, but in 1534 Sultan Bahādur Shah, the ruler of Gujarat, ceded the island to the Portuguese. In 1661 it came under British control as part of the marriage settlement between King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza, sister of the king of Portugal.
What did the Portuguese call Bombay?
Bombay, also called Bom Bahia or Bom Baim in Indo-Portuguese creole, Mumbai in the local language; is the financial and commercial capital of India and one of the most populous cities in the world.
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.
Why did the British change Mumbai to Bombay?
According to Slate magazine, "they argued that 'Bombay' was a corrupted English version of 'Mumbai' and an unwanted legacy of British colonial rule." Slate also said "The push to rename Bombay was part of a larger movement to strengthen Marathi identity in the Maharashtra region."
Why did the British call it Bombay?
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.
How did British get Bombay?
King Charles II of England got the island of Bombay as a part of dowry when he married Catherine, daughter of the King of Portugal. In 1668 CE, the East India Company acquired it at an annual rent of 10 pounds from King Charles II.
What is the old name of Delhi?
Answer: The ancient name of Delhi is Indraprastha according to the Mahabharata era. Pandava once lived in Indraprastha.
How did Portuguese get Bombay?
Wary of the growing power of the Mughals, Bahadur Shah chose to strike up an alliance with the Portuguese. In 1534 he signed off the seven islands of Bombay and the strategic town of Bassein to the Portuguese in a treaty of peace and commerce, bringing to an end Islamic rule on the islands.
What city is no longer called Bombay?
Mumbai (Marathi: मुंबई), from Bombay, renamed in 1995.
Why did Calcutta rise under British?
The city's strategic location on the eastern coast of India made it an important port for British trade with India and other parts of Asia. Political control: Calcutta was located in the eastern part of British India, which was one of the earliest regions to come under British control.
How long did British rule India?
The British Raj was the period of British rule on the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947, for around 89 years of British occupation. The system of governance was instituted in 1858 when the rule of the East India Company was transferred to the Crown in the person of Queen Victoria.
Is it safe to visit Bombay?
In terms of overall safety, child-friendly accommodations and restaurants, Mumbai ranks 8th on the list of 10 least safe vacation destinations for families. While a solo traveller can catch a flight or bus to any destination, families have to look at a number of safety factors before planning a holiday.
What do you call someone from Bombay?
Notable residents of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in India. They are often called Mumbaikars.
What language do they speak in Mumbai?
The official language of Mumbai is Marathi and it is the most used language of the State of Maharashtra as well. However, Mumbai being a cosmopolitan city also accepts several other languages such as Hindi , English, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and konkani.
Why do Indian cities have two names?
Since its Independence in 1947, India has witnessed several cities being renamed owing to reasons attached to religion and ethnicity. Besides, political, historical, and social issues have often played a key role in naming regions in India. For every name change, there is a good number of reasons associated with them.
Why is Mumbai not the capital of India?
Originally Answered: Why is Mumbai not the capital of India? Delhi already had major infrastructure ready to function as Capital at the time of independence . Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament was constructed before independence. Another major building —Supreme Court started almost 5 years after independence .
How many years did it take to merge the seven islands of Bombay?
After acquiring them as through a royal dowry from the Kingdom of Portugal, Charles II leased Bombay and adjacent islets to the East India Company in 1668 for £10 per year. By 1845, the islands had been merged into one landmass by means of multiple land reclamation projects.
Why did the British keep India’s name?
During British colonial rule (approximately 1757-1947), the British referred to the Indian subcontinent as "India." This term was derived from the river Indus, which marked the western boundary of British India.
Why do Filipinos call Indians Bombay?
Professor Joefe Santarita, dean of the University of the Philippines Asian Center and an expert on Indian Studies, said scholars believe the term "Bumbay" came from Bombay (or Mumbai), the place of departure of most Punjabis and Sikhs who have migrated to the Philippines.
What did the British call India?
In the 19th century, the term as used in English referred to the Subcontinent. "Hindustan" was in use simultaneously with "India" during the British Raj.