The construction of Imperial Bombay continued well into the 20th century. Landmarks from this period are the The Gateway of India, the General Post Office, the Town Hall(now the Asiatic Library) and the Prince of Wales Museum. Bombay expanded northwards into the first suburbs, before spreading its nightmarish tentacles into the northern suburbs. The nearly 2000 acres reclaimed by the Port Trust depressed the property market for a while, but the Backbay reclamation scandal of the '20s was a testament to the greed for land.

The freedom movement reached a high pitch of activity against this background of developing Indian wealth. Gandhi returned from South Africa, and reached Bombay on January 12, 1915. In the succeeding years, several anti British uprisings and campaigns foretolf the end of the British imperial rule in India. And it was clearly presaged by the Quit India Movement spearheaded by the Indian National Congress on August 8, 1942, in Gowalia Tank Maidan, near Kemp's Corner. Finally India was set free of its colonial clutches on August 15, 1947. In the meantime, Greater Bombay had come into existence through an act of the British parliament in 1945. Already India's main port and commercial centre, the City of Gold lured the poverty stricken rural population and the expanding middle class equally. Furthermore the population boom of the '50s and '60s was fuelled by the absence of opportunities in the rest of the country— the language riots, the reorganisation of Indian states and the see-saw politics of the country did not seem to affect the city. Besides, the glamour industry's flattering portrayal of Bombay seemed to be the reality.

The sixty years between the completion of the vellard at Breach Candy (1784) and the construction of the Mahim Causeway (1845) are considered an important period during which the seven islands were merged into one landmass. These immense works, in turn, attracted construction workers, like the Kamathis from Andhra, who began to come to Bombay from 1757 on. A regular civil administration was put in place during this period. In 1853 a 35-kilometre long railway line between Thane and Bombay was inaugurated- the first in India. Four years later, in 1854, the first cotton mill was founded in Bombay. With the cotton mills came large scale migrations of Marathi workers, and the chawls which accommodated them. The city had found its shape. Following the first war of Independence in 1857, the Company was accused of mismanagement, and Bombay reverted to the British crown. With the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, exports, especially cotton, from Bombay became a major part of the colonial economy. The Great Indian Peninsular Railway facilitated travel within India. This network of commerce and communication led to an accumulation of wealth. This was channelled into building an Imperial Bombay by a succession of Governors. Many of Bombay's famous landmarks, the Flora Fountain and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus formerly known as Victoria Terminus date from this time. The water works, including the Hanging Gardens and the lakes were also built around this time. The Bombay Municipal Corporation was founded in 1872. However, this facade of a progressive and well-governed city was belied by the plague epidemics of the 1890s. This dichotomy between the city's symbols of power and prosperity, and the living conditions of the people who make it so, continues even today.

Tourist Attraction

Marine Drive:
Mumbai's distinctive curving seafront avenue connects the skyscrapers of Nariman Point to the green villas of Malabar Hill. It is also called the Queen's Necklace because of its appearance after dark, when the street lights sparkle around the curve of the bay.

Juhu Beach:
 This popular beach stretches for about 5 kilometers and is sure to be crowded on a weekend. Activities on the beach include food stalls, performers and camel and pony rides.

Chowpatty Beach:
 Situated in the suburbs of the city, and known for its festive atmosphere, food stalls and hustle and bustle. This beach encapsulates the spirit of Mumbai.

Gateway of India:
This graceful ceremonial archway was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar of 1911. It has historical significance for India because after the country gained Independence, the last British troops left Indian soil, marching under this imperial archway to board their waiting ships.

Elephanta Island:
 Situated 9 kilometers out to sea, from the Gateway of India, this island has a beautiful rock-cut Shiva Temple, on top of a hill. The island can be reached by a short enjoyable ferry ride.

Prince of Wales Museum:
One of the country's renowned museums, this heritage building is situated amidst green lawns, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The museum contains a priceless collection of miniature paintings as well as extensive collections of art, sculpture, china, rare coins and weaponry.

Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus:
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, after the English Queen, who was also known as Empress of India, this imposing building was built in 1888. Designed by Frederick William Stevenson, the façade of this railway terminus is covered with sculptures of birds and animals.

Flora Fountain:
Situated at a busy 5-point intersection in the heart of Mumbai's commercial area, this popular public landmark was built to commemorate the Governor, Henry Bartle Edward Frere.

Haji Ali's Tomb:
This tomb is a mausoleum built to commemorate Haji Ali, a Muslim saint, who perished by drowning while traveling to Mecca.

Hanging Gardens:
These beautiful gardens overlook Marine Drive and are a popular picnic spot

Kamala Nehru Park:
Also overlooking Marine Drive, these gardens add to the scenic beauty of Mumbai

 Mani Bhavan:
 Formerly the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, this two-storied building is now a memorial to his life and work. The house contains a library with over 2000 books, photographs of Gandhiji's life, a film archive and other memorabilia.

Bombay Natural History Society:
This institution's office is called Hornbill House, and it runs a conservation centre and conducts nature walks for wildlife enthusiasts. It's library and collection of bird specimens is an invaluable resource for nature lovers.

Bazaars in Mumbai:
Markets in Mumbai offer a vibrant shopping experience to the visitor. Kalbadevi, Bhuleshwar, Mangaldas, Zaveri and Chor Bazaar are some of the markets worth exploring. Do remember that bargaining is common in markets in India.

Bollywood:
Visiting a movie studio to watch a movie being shot in India's commercial film capital is an experience worth attempting. You might discover the actor within you.

Mumbai-Shopping                
Shopping in Mumbai is a memorable experience as you wander through its Bazaars with striking names like Chor Bazar, Mutton Street and Zaveri Bazar. At Chor Bazar you'll find a phenomenal collection of antiques, jewellery, wooden articles, leatherware and general bric-a-brac.

Crawford market
 famous for flowers, fruits, meat and fish, is certainly place worth capturing on your camera. Zaveri Bazar offers excellent range of jewellery items. For colourful and innovative carpets one should head for Mereweather Road behind Taj Mahal Hotel. Here the range is extensive, exclusive and the prices slightly higher. To be on the safer side, one could, however check at the Jammu and Kashmir Emporium first. Several state emporia in the World Trade Centre, at Cuffe Parade are an ideal place to buy souvenir, a rare artifact or textiles. The Central Cottage Industries Emporium (Apollo Bunder) and Khadi Village Industries Emporium (D.N.Road) with their fixed price tags, are genuine and of superb quality.

Colaba and Flora Fountain
 (Hutatama Chowk) in the heart of South Mumbai and walking distance from Bombay V.T and Churchgate Railwa Stations are full of shopping of all kinds, mainly ethnic artifacts and departmental stores.

Walk into Fashion Street and shop for your new summer wardrobe. The street is close to the famous Metro Cinema and Dhobi Talao.

For those who look for the glamorous the ideal place to shell out some money would be Kemps Corner, Warden Road, Breach Candy and Napean Sea Road.

Bandra
 the so-called Queen of Suburbs is the residential abode of the's who of Mumbai, film stars, industrialists and the likes. Linking Road joins Bandra to Khar and is lined up on both sides with showrooms for the elite. But the striking contest here is the pavement selling which adds to the thrill while you walk out of a posh showroom.