Our Artificial Lands Series takes us to Mumbai, on the Western coast of the Indian subcontinent.
The first European power to reach this region was Portugal in the 16th Century. While trying to establish a permanent presence to consolidate their trade with local powers, they were awarded seven small islands just off the shore of Salsette Island. Bombay, the largest of the seven islands, gave its name to the group and soon to the city that was built. In 1661, Portugal gave their possessions to England as part of the dowry of the Portuguese consort to the king of England.
A strategic part of England's conquest of India, the City grew and the islands became the source of major land reclamation. Eventually, all islands were linked with one another and with Salsette Island, itself becoming a peninsula. Today, Mumbai (as Bombay was renamed in 1995) is one of the largest metropoles of the World.
Bombay Artificial Lands
