Figure 1.2 - Amalgamation of 7 islands of Mumbai

1.3 Mumbai

A city that has gained its real character with the passage of time. People have been able to alter and adapt it, and, they have evolved their own images of that distinctive place in their minds. Place-identity is defined by Lynch as ‘the extent to which a person can recognize or recall a place as being distinct from other places’. Mumbai is one such city distinct from other cities having its extents rooted to today’s era where Mumbai is identified as one of the most iconic cities of the world.

1.3.1 Mumbai – Colonial, Establishment as a trade hub

Figure 1.2 - Amalgamation of 7 islands of Mumbai, Source - Quora Mumbai initially known as ‘Bombay’ was originally an archipelago of seven islands – Colaba, Malabar Hill, Worli, Mazgaon, Parel, Mahim & Sion. These islands were inhabited by farmers and fisherman and the land was extensively covered with forests. By late 15th century, the Portuguese took over the islands. In 1661, the islands were handed over to England as part of a dowry. In 1838, under the British rule, Bombay islands were amalgamated into a singular mass. Since then the city has been constantly transformed by land reclamation projects. The city is built on a foundation of continuously altered and reclaimed natural and urban landscapes.