Which Indian city was once known as the “City of Seven Islands"?

Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, was once known as the City of Seven Islands. India’s bustling financial capital wasn’t always one continuous landmass. Long before skyscrapers and local trains, it was a cluster of seven distinct islands floating in the Arabian Sea. Over time, these islands were joined together through large-scale land reclamation efforts to form the modern city known today as Mumbai.

What Was the “City of Seven Islands”?

Before colonial rule, the region now known as Mumbai consisted of seven islands separated by shallow waters, creeks and marshes. These islands were home to fishing communities, small settlements and thriving coastal life.

The seven original islands were:

• Bombay Island
• Colaba
• Old Woman’s Island (Little Colaba)
• Mahim
• Mazagaon
• Parel
• Worli

How the Islands Became One

The merging of these islands did not happen overnight. It was a gradual process, driven by human need for more land and strategic expansion:

• In 1661, the islands were transferred from Portuguese control to the English Crown as part of a royal dowry.
• In 1668, the East India Company took over the region and recognised its potential as a port and emerging city centre.
• Over the next centuries of land reclamation, causeways and embankments were built to block tidal waters and fill in the gaps between the islands.

One of the most famous engineering efforts was the Hornby Vellard Project, which aimed to control flooding and connect islands by building causeways.

By around 1838–1845, the seven separate landmasses were merged into a single island, laying the foundation for the city that would grow into today’s metropolitan Mumbai, later becoming the centre of trade, finance, cinema and industry.

From Islands to Megacity

The transformation from fragmented islands to a thriving modern city enabled Mumbai to develop one of India’s finest natural harbours. This harbour became a gateway for trade, commerce and industrial growth, turning the city into a powerhouse of economic activity.

Today, though the phrase “City of Seven Islands” may seem like a historical footnote, it reminds us of Mumbai’s unique geographical evolution — from a set of coastal islets to one of the world’s most populous and dynamic cities.

Quick Fact:

Mumbai’s name officially changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, honouring the local Marathi name derived from the goddess Mumbā.