How Bombay went from a fort city to a bustling metropolis

Bombay, now known as Mumbai, has undergone dramatic transformations over centuries, influenced by political, economic, and social shifts. From its origins as seven islands to its current status as a metropolis of 20 million, the city’s identity has been molded by a wide range of figures, including Koli fisherfolk, colonial architects, Bollywood icons, and industrial magnates. Its story is one of constant reinvention, where the past merges with the present in a dynamic interplay of change and continuity.

Key Transformations in Bombay’s History

The city’s evolution was marked by pivotal moments. In the 1830s and 1840s, land reclamation projects and bunds united the seven islets into a singular urban entity. By the 1860s, the fort walls were dismantled, allowing imperial structures to redefine the city’s skyline and cultural identity. The 1920s and 1930s saw the creation of Marine Drive, a Art Deco marvel that introduced a distinct architectural flair. Since the 2000s, planners have focused on modern infrastructure, such as sea bridges and coastal highways, altering the city’s physical and social landscape.

The Human Heart of the City

Bombay’s essence lies not just in its buildings but in its people. The exhibition Bombay Framed captures this through a collection of over 100 images, spanning three centuries. These visuals reflect the city’s varied demographics, from the elite Zoroastrian merchants to the struggles of the working class. “Together they invite us to see the city itself as a kind of artwork: layered, complex and made up of many different experiences,” said Gyan Prakash, the exhibition’s curator.

“Even the early British picturesque views of the sea and boats include human figures, reminding us that the environment was always shaped by human activity,” says Prakash.

Photographs and artworks highlight the duality of Bombay’s character—luxury towers alongside shanty towns, modern research facilities beside ancient caves. The exhibition also showcases vintage film posters from the 1950s and 60s, once adorning the city’s walls, as well as the meticulously composed portraits of stars like Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand by JH Thakkar, founder of India Photo Studio in Dadar. These images reflect how Bombay’s cultural identity was shaped by both its elite and its everyday citizens.

The city’s name was officially changed to Mumbai in the mid-1990s, a move intended to distance it from colonial ties. However, many still refer to it as Bombay, especially in historical contexts. Prakash notes that the exhibition retains the older name because most of the visuals date back to when the city was known as Bombay. “For Marathi speakers, it was always Mumbai. I’m agnostic about the name, as are many people, which reflects the city’s long history of dual names and multiple perspectives. It really only becomes contentious when the issue is politicised.”

Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook.