A Tale of Two Cities

Mumbai has been a strategic and prosperous city for a long time. The city, which used to be an archipelago of 7 islands, flourished as a prominent center of trade during the Mughal dynasty. Now in addition to being a port city, Mumbai is India's financial capital with the Bombay Stock Exchange dominating the Indian stock market; the Indian film industry popularly known as Bollywood is located in Mumbai and it is the City of Dreams for a reason. Its pivotal location made it a sought-after city during the medieval ages. While it was under the jurisdiction of Nawab of Surat in the 16th century, the Dutch, Portuguese and British were ready as its suitors.

The Portuguese were the first ones to make a move. As they resolved to expand their territory on Indian soil vigorously, warfare began. As a result, the Treaty of Bassein was signed in 1534 which ceded the seven islands of Mumbai to the Portuguese along with some other cities. The new rulers called this group of seven islands Bon Bahia or Bombaim, which translate to 'Good Bay', and later modified to Bombay, the city's old name. Portuguese rulers built impressive forts that are still intact and serve as a reminder of the days of Portuguese reign. They wanted to transform Goa, their first territory on Asian soil, into Lisbon and largely succeeded in doing so. Portuguese influence can still be seen in the architecture, lifestyle, and cuisines of the former territories, such as Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadar and Nagar Haveli. 

But the Portuguese empire could not thrive for as long as its influence, as the Dutch started navigating Indian waters and formed a blockade around Goa. Though the Dutch never controlled Bombay, they were successful in hampering the flourishing trade. Later, in 1543, a cholera epidemic ravaged Goa which posed an imperative challenge. 

Still the Portuguese recuperated from all the obstacles and were on the path to reach their former glory once more but then the English struck. English merchants had been present in Bombay for a long time and realized its importance and economic potential. And as is the case with the British, they instantly decided to take it by force and cunningness. A bloody battle was fought between the British and the Portuguese and the glorious Portuguese empire's fall began. With the gradual decline of the Portuguese monopoly, the burgeoning British trade blossomed. Still, the British did not have an irrefutable authority over Bombay. But it seems they did not want it either. 

In the 17th century, Anglo-Portuguese relations were restored to status quo ante bellum by ways of matrimonial alliances. One such royal wedding was held between Cathrine of Bagranza and King Charles II of England. And of such grandeur was the wedding that the princely groom received the city of Bombay and the island of Tangier as a part of the dowry. The fate of Bombay was temporarily sealed by a wedding and was placed under the direct, undisputed control of the British. Well, Bombay would not stay long in their hands too, as it would be rented out because the king was too occupied to manage it. Yes, the complete city of Bombay was rented to the East India Company. And they cut a pretty good deal too as the rent decided upon was a trivial sum of 10 pounds. Well, one can only imagine the ostentatious affairs of the royalty. How grandiloquent! 

Written by Vaibhav Jain

Meme by Veertej Singh

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