Kanheri preserves the region’s early past
Rock-cut caves record centuries of activity in the landscape now within Mumbai.
Density
Islands, industry and a growing metropolisOur World
Mumbai
Follow Mumbai from its regional past through colonial transfers, railways, mills, political change and new harbour connections.
Subject guide · scope, chapters & sources ↗Selected changes in the region, island city and wider metropolitan area. Kanheri is regional evidence, not an exact founding date; Koli communities and local naming precede colonial administration. This is not a complete history of every community or suburb.
Portuguese control begins
The islands enter a new colonial political order.
The East India Company takes charge
The English Crown leases Bombay to the Company.
Rail connects Bombay and Thane
A passenger train inaugurates the Bombay–Thane railway.
Cotton reshapes the city
The American Civil War redirects cotton demand toward Bombay.
Electric trains serve the suburbs
Electric traction begins between Victoria Terminus and Kurla Harbour.
Naval ratings begin a revolt
A strike in Bombay expands into a wider challenge to colonial authority.
Mumbai becomes Maharashtra’s capital
State reorganisation follows the Samyukta Maharashtra movement.
Mumbai becomes the official name
The state government replaces the official English name Bombay.
Two architectural eras gain World Heritage recognition
UNESCO inscribes Mumbai’s Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles.
Atal Setu crosses the harbour
The Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link is inaugurated.