The Islander
The truth about Bombay
(Warning: Contents may be offensive to some or all)
In the early years of the previous century, what is now known as Maharashtra and Gujarat was collectively known as Bombay.
Bombay over the decades, grew to be one of the most important places in the country primarily due to the climate, its natural harbour and the collective efforts and wisdom of the Parsis, Britishers, Portugese and other knowledgeble folks.
Over the years, people from the interiors moved into this place and mistakenly claimed that it was they who had made Bombay, when infact they had only come to grab what was already in place. This included most Maharashtrians and Gujaratis who came from the hinterland.
Going back into history and geography, Bombay was comprised of seven islands.
Local Maharashtrian movements have been formed over the years and self-styled sons of the soil ( what they forget is that this soil meant interior Maharashtra/Gujarat and NOT Bombay as defined above) have raised war-crys that they are the defendants and custodians of the place, whereas infact they are rank outsiders ( very much like the millions who pour into the city from all corners of India). They have rasied slogans like Mee-Mumbaikar, Maharashtra Maaza (meaning as if to say Bombay is theirs, or Mumbai), Marathi-Manoos etc. in order to strike a cord with their fellow relocated locals. They've gone to the extent of claiming that the name Bombay is an adulterated form of Mumbai ( which apparently came from Mumbadevi - some local godess of the area). The truth is that Bombay has been derived from Bom-Baha or something similar meaning Great ( Bom) Bay ( Baha or Baja ) . Just like Baja California. The nomenclature having its roots in Spain and Portugal.
Another mistaken prophecy is that the Kolis were the original inhabitants. Whereas infact they were the first of the hinterlanders to make it here. Probably named themselves after Colaba Island, rather than the other way round.
The truth is that the seven islands were never a part of the mainland (i.e. interior Maharashtra etc. ) and thus Maharashtrian locals (theose who hail from the interiors) have little to claim all of this of their own.
Of course, we cant let history stop at a point of time. History is always being created. So we define that those who were born in the areas (like me !!!) that were part of these islands, should (will) only be known as Bombay originals. The rest can ....
I dont mean to be offensive to all Maharashtrians. There have been many (i'd say few) who have done us proud (lets not include the ones in the entertainment profession, but those who actually did something for the people) over the years. But unfortunately they are a handful. Some include Jayant Narlikar, Kirloskar ... ( if anyone can come up with some more such names, do let me know ) ... [ this is going to be difficult ].
This writeup will be offensive to the sensibilities of Maharashtrian sons of the soil.
(Warning: Contents may be offensive to some or all)
In the early years of the previous century, what is now known as Maharashtra and Gujarat was collectively known as Bombay.
Bombay over the decades, grew to be one of the most important places in the country primarily due to the climate, its natural harbour and the collective efforts and wisdom of the Parsis, Britishers, Portugese and other knowledgeble folks.
Over the years, people from the interiors moved into this place and mistakenly claimed that it was they who had made Bombay, when infact they had only come to grab what was already in place. This included most Maharashtrians and Gujaratis who came from the hinterland.
Going back into history and geography, Bombay was comprised of seven islands.
- Bombay ( [H-shaped] , what is now Malabar Hill , Cumballa Hill , Girgaon and Marine drive)
- Worli
- Parel
- Mahim
- Colaba ( now whats Cuffe Parade etc.)
- Old Womans Island ( areas of Kalbadevi and Fort areas )
- Mazagaon ( now the docks area and Byculla and all )
Local Maharashtrian movements have been formed over the years and self-styled sons of the soil ( what they forget is that this soil meant interior Maharashtra/Gujarat and NOT Bombay as defined above) have raised war-crys that they are the defendants and custodians of the place, whereas infact they are rank outsiders ( very much like the millions who pour into the city from all corners of India). They have rasied slogans like Mee-Mumbaikar, Maharashtra Maaza (meaning as if to say Bombay is theirs, or Mumbai), Marathi-Manoos etc. in order to strike a cord with their fellow relocated locals. They've gone to the extent of claiming that the name Bombay is an adulterated form of Mumbai ( which apparently came from Mumbadevi - some local godess of the area). The truth is that Bombay has been derived from Bom-Baha or something similar meaning Great ( Bom) Bay ( Baha or Baja ) . Just like Baja California. The nomenclature having its roots in Spain and Portugal.
Another mistaken prophecy is that the Kolis were the original inhabitants. Whereas infact they were the first of the hinterlanders to make it here. Probably named themselves after Colaba Island, rather than the other way round.
The truth is that the seven islands were never a part of the mainland (i.e. interior Maharashtra etc. ) and thus Maharashtrian locals (theose who hail from the interiors) have little to claim all of this of their own.
Of course, we cant let history stop at a point of time. History is always being created. So we define that those who were born in the areas (like me !!!) that were part of these islands, should (will) only be known as Bombay originals. The rest can ....
I dont mean to be offensive to all Maharashtrians. There have been many (i'd say few) who have done us proud (lets not include the ones in the entertainment profession, but those who actually did something for the people) over the years. But unfortunately they are a handful. Some include Jayant Narlikar, Kirloskar ... ( if anyone can come up with some more such names, do let me know ) ... [ this is going to be difficult ].
This writeup will be offensive to the sensibilities of Maharashtrian sons of the soil.
posted by Who's Blog - WGFA - CS | 12:54 AM
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