Figure 1.3 - Evolution of Mumbai over a timeline

Colonial Mumbai was developed as a planned segregation promoted by English ideology. The southern tip of the island city was fortified to create an insulated territory for the colonial rulers. The northern part within the fortification included the elite Indians, Parsis, Bohras and Hindu industrialists or traders. At first the urbanization of the island only occurred within the Fort area until a massive fire in 1803 provided an impetus for urban improvements and land dispersal that led to expansion.

By 1850 Bombay had become the major colonial mercantile and industrial city and cotton textile mills as foundation of its economy. Subsequently many of the great monuments and public buildings in the island city were built with the wealth generated by the textile industry. Land reclamation continued, closing the creeks & creating newer destinations towards the north. With new developments in place and increased employment opportunities, Bombay attracted millions of migrants. Soon Mumbai became the fastest growing metropolis with maximum capital accumulation and the most unequal distribution of land. A trading town in its past, Mumbai, today is an aspiring global city where space is a rare commodity created & recreated by land reclamation & rehabilitations.

Figure 1.3 - Evolution of Mumbai over a timeline, Quora