Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Cities

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and one of India’s largest cities.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is the capital city of Maharashtra and India's financial hub. Located on the west coast, it was officially renamed in 1995.

What it is

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and a major port city on the Arabian Sea. It is India's financial and commercial centre, with a 2011 city population of 12,442,373.

Why it matters

Mumbai is India's financial capital and home to Bollywood, the Hindi film industry. It is a global hub for trade, migration, and media, with strong ties to the Canadian South Asian diaspora.

Key details

The city was officially renamed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995 by the Maharashtra government. The name Mumbai comes from Mumbadevi, a local goddess. The city is located on India's west coast in Maharashtra.

In short

  • Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, India.
  • Formerly known as Bombay, renamed in 1995.
  • Financial capital and Bollywood centre.
  • Population 12.4 million (2011).
Canadian angle

Mumbai is relevant to Canadian readers as a major global city with strong ties to trade, migration, media, and South Asian diaspora communities in Canada.

Quick questions

What is Bombay now called?
Bombay is now officially called Mumbai.
Why is Bombay called Mumbai?
The city was renamed Mumbai in 1995, with the name linked to Mumbadevi, a local goddess associated with the city’s original inhabitants.
What is Bombay known for?
It is known for being India’s financial and commercial centre, a major port city, and a hub for film and entertainment.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai
    Supports: Official name Mumbai, former name Bombay, capital of Maharashtra, 2011 population, and location.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Mumbai
    Supports: Mumbai as capital of Maharashtra, major financial and commercial centre, port on the Arabian Sea, and renaming in 1995.
  3. Mumbai City Government — https://mumbaicity.gov.in/en/history/
    Supports: 1995 renaming from Bombay to Mumbai and association with Mumbadevi.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj60k3x879ro
    Supports: Historical context for the Bombay to Mumbai name change and colonial-era significance.