Overview
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the most populous city in India, with a population of about 20 million in its metropolitan area. It is located on the western coast of India on a series of low-lying islands jutting into the Arabian Sea.
Geography and Physical Features
Mumbai was originally a group of seven islands that were merged through extensive land reclamation projects between the 18th and 20th centuries. The city has a natural deep-water harbor, which made it historically important for shipping. The surrounding region includes Sanjay Gandhi National Park, an unusual urban wilderness within the city limits.
Significance
Mumbai is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Reserve Bank of India, and the headquarters of many major corporations. It is also the heart of Hindi cinema, known globally as Bollywood, which produces hundreds of films each year.
Notable Facts
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the busiest railway stations in India and an architectural landmark. Mumbai's dabbawalas, who deliver hot lunches by bicycle and train to office workers across the city, are renowned for their extraordinary logistical accuracy. The Gateway of India is a triumphal arch built in 1924 to commemorate a royal visit.