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Although
the British initially built forts, docks, a huge customs
house and other buildings, the real development of
Mumbai as a magnificent city began around 1857, the
year of Indian Mutiny. Since the British suffered
a major setback due to this massive revolt against
their political ambition to rule India, they shifted
their centre of political movement from Delhi to the
much safer place like Mumbai. They then felt the urgent
need of changing the face of Mumbai to meet the growing
demands of their political strategy. Thus began the
era of development in Mumbai.
In 1853 the first
railway line in India between Mumbai and Thane was
already launched. Thereafter Mumbai was connected
to Calcutta by a long road link. In 1862 the seven
islands were amalgamated by way of reclamation. Ambitious
projects like Town Hall, University Library, High
Court Building, Malabar Hill water reservoir, Vihar
water supply scheme, construction of V.T. and corporation
buildings and Gateway of India were undertaken and
completed one after another. The Marine Drive Scheme
was completed later in 1945. Simultaneously starting
a tram service launched an effective transport system.
Local trains started plying between V.T - Kalyan and
Churchgate -Virar. Roads were widened; hospitals,
colleges and theatres were built. Market places like
Crawford Market & Mulji Mehta Market and business
places like Stock Exchange and Fort Market were established.
British left behind
a legacy of Neo-Gothic architecture in Mumbai, which
is cherished and treasured by Mumbaikars till today
The contribution
and sacrifice made by the city and its people during
the freedom movement, under the leadership of Lokmanya
Tilak & Mahatma Gandhi, was tremendous and most
valuable. The people of this city not only took part
in the freedom movement but also witnessed historic
moments of the crucial period. The foundation of Indian
National Congress, ' Quit India Movement ', the '
Non Cooperation Movement ', the Non Violent Satyagrahas,
death of Lokmanya Tilak and his major historic political
trials are few of them which ought to be mentioned
here with pride and honour.
Mumbai was also
the main battlefield for the Goa Mukti Movement and
formation of Maharashtra after India became Independent.
It has been, in fact, a prominent centre of all major
political, social, cultural and trade union movements
before and after the independence period.
After the formation
of Maharashtra as a new state in 1960, Mumbai had
the honour to become the capital city of Maharashtra.
The State Government of Maharashtra, during the last
three decades, has taken number of policy decisions
to divert the ever-increasing pressure of the growing
population on the civic administration of the city.
The government has already developed a twin city,
Navi Mumbai in the Vashi-Belapur belt.
Mumbai has now
grown into a very large metropolitan city. It has
earned a reputation of being a main centre of trade,
commerce, communications, business, industry and tourism
in India. The Konkan Railway now has paved a way for
smooth and speedy access for communication with the
southern part of India. With a view to further develop
this city as a financial and banking centre, the Bandra-Kurla
complex in the central Mumbai is being set up with
all ultra modern facilities so as to accommodate more
and more multinational companies and their commercial
activities.
The development
and expansion of Mumbai has now reached a saturation
point due to ever increasing population. Now, there
is no enough space left over for horizontal expansion.
So, it is expanding vertically with multi-storied
skyscrapers. More and more marshy land is being reclaimed
for construction of houses and business centres.
Although
the old Mumbai has undergone a multifarious change
during the last four to five decades, the city, however,
has preserved its original charm. The real beauty
of this city lies in the vivacity and diversity in
its culture. People of all regions, religions and
communities have settled here for generations and
many more come here every day for business, trade,
and tourism. But the harmony in the life stream remains
undisturbed. Indeed, Mumbai is a city of magic and
myth.
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