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The city of dreams, formerly known as Bombay, underwent a historic name change in 1995, becoming Mumbai. The process behind this name change was not an overnight decision but rather a culmination of regional pride, cultural identity, and political movements. Let us delve into the fascinating journey of how Bombay transformed into Mumbai.
The city’s original name, Bombay, dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese explorer Francisco de Almeida established a settlement on the seven islands on the west coast of India. With time, the islands were handed over to the British East India Company, who developed it into a thriving trade hub. The British named it “Bombay” after the Persian deity Mumba Devi.
However, in the wake of India’s independence from British rule in 1947, there was a growing sentiment among locals to change the city’s name. The name “Bombay” was seen as a reminder of the colonial past, and many Indians believed that adopting a name rooted in their native languages would reclaim their cultural identity. This sentiment gained momentum in the 1960s as various political parties began advocating for changing the city’s name.
One such party was the Shiv Sena, a regional political party in Maharashtra, the state where Bombay is located. The party, under the leadership of Bal Thackeray, spearheaded the movement for a name change. Thackeray argued that Bombay’s name should be reverted to “Mumbai” to honor the city’s original inhabitants, the Koli fishing community, who referred to the area as “Mumbai” long before the arrival of the Portuguese and British.
The campaign for the name change gained significant traction in the 1990s. The state government, led by the Shiv Sena, introduced a bill in 1995. The bill proposed changing the names of various cities and towns in Maharashtra, including Bombay to Mumbai. The rationale was to establish an indigenous nomenclature and promote regional pride.
The Bombay name change engendered heated debates across various sections of society. Opponents argued that it was an unnecessary exercise and would be an economic burden on the city in terms of rebranding and changing official documents. Nevertheless, the bill was passed by the legislative assembly, and on March 6, 1996, the name “Bombay” officially became “Mumbai.”
The name change was more than just a symbolic gesture. It was part of a broader movement to reclaim cultural heritage and establish a distinct regional identity. The use of “Mumbai” signaled a shift to decolonization and empowered the local populace.
However, it took time for the transition to be fully accepted. Many people continued to use the name “Bombay” for years after the official change. The film industry played a significant role in popularizing the name “Mumbai,” as Bollywood movies predominantly referred to the city by its new name.
Today, Mumbai is a thriving metropolis, known for its bustling streets, iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India, and as the financial and entertainment capital of India. The name change reflects the city’s ever-evolving identity, embracing its roots while embracing the future.
In conclusion, the transformation from Bombay to Mumbai was a result of a long-standing desire to reclaim cultural identity and honor the city’s original heritage. The change, driven by political movements and public sentiment, symbolized the decolonization of India. Mumbai continues to stand tall, its name serving as a testament to the resilience and pride of its people.
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