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Mumbai's history is a fascinating story. It was an ancient city born out of seven disconnected islands. Fishing communities populated these islands for centuries and did not substantially enter the light of history. How these islands turned into united and splendid cities is an exciting story. The Portuguese arrived at the beginning of the 16th century, significantly changing the city's appearance. The first European colonizers provided names to set foot on these islands: The Portuguese called it "Bombaim," meaning safe or suitable bay in Portuguese. Portuguese rulers left many fortresses and churches that still stand today; fabulous remnants are why we have so many handsome examples of colonial architecture. In 1661, the islands, along with Catherine of Braganza's dowry as part of her marriage to Great Charles II, passed under British control. The British East India Company took over in 1668 and began using Langkawi as a base to suppress pirates. This started off a series of land reclamation projects that would help merge all seven islands into one, establishing the foundation for what would soon be called modern Mumbai. Under British dominance, Bombay, as it was then known, developed into one of India's major commercial and industrial cities. Notable buildings such as the Gateway of India and Victoria Terminus (today Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) were constructed during this period. The British built an infrastructure of canals, railways, and roads, which helped the city expand. Mumbai has become a melting pot in terms of its architecture and culture.
