How Mumbai Was Designed To Be The Next London

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Welcome to a brief history of Mumbai. India's sprawling metropolis with a population exceeding 23 million, stands as one of the most significant cities in the region today. But did you know that Mumbai was originally envisioned to become the next London? In this captivating video, we take you on a historical journey through the fascinating transformation of Mumbai, from its humble beginnings as a collection of islands to its emergence as a major financial and trading hub.

Join us as we explore the history of Mumbai, particularly the times when the British Empire controlled it during the Raj. The archipelago of Bombay, as it was then known, was strategically vital for London, intended to be a gateway to colonizing India. Through ambitious land reclamation projects, the British merged the islands into one peninsula, tripling its landmass.

Meet the visionary governor, Sir Henry Bartle Frere, who dreamed of creating the London of the Southern Hemisphere. Discover how he enlisted renowned British architects to design iconic public buildings like the University of Bombay and introduced advanced technologies like gaslights and telegraphy, right after their debut in London.

As Bombay blossomed into an economic and cultural melting pot, tensions between the British colonizers and Indian inhabitants started to surface. Witness the rise of legendary institutions like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, born out of defiance against segregation and prejudice.

Meet the man who would change the course of Indian history - Mohandas Gandhi. Initially enamored by the British progress, Gandhi's experiences in South Africa opened his eyes to the darker side of colonization. When he returned to Bombay, he saw it as a curse rather than a blessing, setting the stage for his iconic movement against British colonial rule.

As India gained independence in 1947, Bombay was renamed Mumbai, and its destiny diverged from Sir Bartle Frere’s grand vision. However, Mumbai continued to evolve and grow, defying expectations and creating a unique identity of its own.

Witness the intriguing tale of Mumbai's transformation, its triumphs, and challenges, as we unravel the story of why Mumbai is so much more than just the next London. Subscribe to our channel for more captivating histories of iconic cities worldwide.

Join us on this journey into history of Mumbai - a story of resilience, diversity, and urban evolution that has shaped the vibrant city we know today.

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0:00 The biggest city of India
0:30 East India Company
1:34 The Grand Plan of Bombay
2:38 University of Bombay
3:36 Bombay on the edge of progress
4:31 Victoria Terminus
5:01 Bombay is the new London
5:31 Tata and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
6:20 The man who changed India