The Fascinating Story Behind How Mumbai Got Its Name The name of Mumbai is derived from the local goddess Mumb and the word Aai (mother). The beginning of the journey of Bombay to Mumbai symbolises its multihued history and a lot of cultural loads. Tisha Ghosh Updated: Apr 03, 2025 3:59 PM IST Mumbai, the frenetic megacity seated on the western coastline of India, is often described as the city that never sleeps. Being the financial capital of the country, it serves as a hub for multitude of different cultures, beliefs, and ambitions, but have you ever wondered from where did Mumbai get its name? Like its stunning city, the story behind 'Mumbai' name is intriguing and downbend with history and mythology. In this post, we will explore the origin of the name Mumbai. 1.The Myth of Mumbai: The Ancient Roots Mumbai's history started long before the beautiful urbanization, it is believed to have evolved during the mid 6th century when the city 'Mumba' was brought into existence. The locals believe its name Mumbai came from local Hindu Goddess Mumba Devi, with Mumba being called by the fishermen around the area. It is believed that the goddess was worshipped by Kolis, the region's indigenous population, along with many other of the same day's religions. The word 'Mumba' is paired with 'Aai' which is Marathi for Mother. This means 'Mumbai' translates to Mother Mumba. It was also believed to originate. It's often believed to have stemmed from distinct 'Aai' which is a word used in Marathi for Mother. Thus "Mother Mumba", giving its citizens a strong reason to believe that the city holds a never-ending bond to its past in culture, spirituality and devotion. The Koli have been living in Mumbai for centuries. Their patron deity, who they believed protected them was Mumba Devi. Mumbai still has a South Mumbai temple that was dedicated to Mumba Devi, and it demonstrates the city's craftsmanship. Like Mumbai, the goddess is richly depicted as having a strong and sturdy black stone idol. 2.Portuguese Influence: "Bombay" The name Mumbai symbolically gives the city a rich history, but the identity of it has certainly gone through changes during the colonial period. The Portuguese Empire set its foot in the western parts of India during the sixteenth century, thus marking the BETA phase of the area. The first Europeans to come here, transformed the identity of the city with their arrival by changing its name to Bombaim. According to historians, "Bombaim" is a corrupted version of Mumbai which the Europeans used. It is believed that the Portuguese were not able to pronounce Mumbai so they changed it to Bombaim. Alternatively, this name could also be derived from the phrase "Bom Bahia" which means "goodbye" in Portuguese, suggesting that Bombaim had an ideal deep-water harbor for trade which surely would boast any city. The city started to grow in prominence as a trading post under Portuguese rule. However, that control did not last a long time. The islands of Bombay were handed over to the British in 1661 during the royal marriage alliance between King Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza. She came with the islands as part of her dowry. 3.The British Era: The Rise of "Bombay"

The British were the ones who changed the name from 'Bombaim' to 'Bombay'. It gained prominence during British rule and became one of the most developed cities in the country. The British identified the natural harbor of the city and turned it into a major port for trading. Over an extended period, Bombay emerged as the financial and commercial capital of India, because of the influx of people from all over the country. So drastic was the British influence on the city's name that "Bombay" remained in use until after India gained independence in 1947. The city continued to be referred to as Bombay for decades, both in India and overseas. However, as time passed, it became increasingly common among the local populace to feel the urge to restore the city's original name and its lost cultural heritage. Mumbai's name change came as a shock to many Indians, but was long overdue. In 1995, the state government of Maharashtra, the state where Mumbai is located, officially changed the name of the city from Bombay to Mumbai. The government hoped to reverse the effects of colonialism and instead embraced the history of the city. The name change also fell under the broader trend of India changing colonial names to names that accurately represented their history and culture. There were split opinions in the changing of Bombay to Mumbai. Many welcomed reverting to the beret name while others found it had grown to incorporate Western culture making it hard for them to adapt to the new name. In the present day, however, the name Mumbai has taken center stage, representing the culture's mix of modern day life and tradition. 4.Mumbai Today: A City of Many Names Mumbai serves today as a juxtaposition of bold modernity and age-old traditions, with massive temples settled against the backdrop of soaring skyscrapers, and calm beaches next to vibrant marketplaces. The name of the city, Mumbai, demonstrates how rich its history and cultures are. Even though the city name Bombay is now seldom used in the contemporary times, especially in nostalgic and historic contexts, its use with Mumbai which has come to dominate this sophisticated metropolis is closer to reality. The evolution of the name Mumbai captures the ebbs and flows of the history of the city, from an ancient fishing settlement to the present-day financial juggernaut. It is filled with stories of grit, acceptance, and dignity, resembling the essence of the city as a whole. Irrespective of the names Mumbai or Bombay, there is no doubt that the city has an unforgettable impact on the heart of millions as it serves as a name as well as a beacon of hope and boundless opportunities. Mumbai Tourist Destinations Mumbai Tourist Places Mumbai Travel Diaries Mumbai travel guide