A unified, modern city in the world stage

As argued in the previous section, the British-led linking of the seven islands of Bombay was mostly driven by colonization ambitions of modernizing Bombay. This process of unification resulted in the marginalization of the communities that had been living in the islands for centuries. However, the unification of Bombay also brought undeniable advantages to the city, especially from the perspective of its positioning in the international stage.

After the linking of the islands and along with the booming industrialization of Bombay, new docks were constructed along the eastern shoreline, as well as railways connecting the island city to the mainland. Furthermore, the British introduced gas and water supplies, sewage disposal facilities, and parks. This heightened process of urban development led to the overall improvement of the quality of life of the Bombay residents. 

The process of industrialization of Bombay also allowed for the more systematic development of a competitive economy. Initially focused on the cotton textile industry, the city’s economic base diversified at the beginning of the 20th century, leading Mumbai to become the financial and commercial capital of India. Mumbai houses the headquarters of major domestic and international banks and insurance companies, the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay stock exchange, the national stock exchange, and corporate headquarters of Indian conglomerates such as the Tata Group.

Mumbai’s strategic location has also made it the largest port in western India, and a center for petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and the manufacture of consumer goods like cars and televisions. Mumbai also has a robust entertainment industry, hosting India’s major publishing houses, television and satellite networks, as well as the largely popular Bollywood film industry.

With this rapid strengthening of its economy, Mumbai became India’s most globally connected city.