ranjan

Human habitation of Bombay existed since stone age. Kolis (Marathi Fishing community) were earlier known settlers of Bombay Islands. Later, Maurya empire gained control in 3rd century & transformed it into a center of Hindu and Buddhist culture and religion.Thereafter, the islands came under control of different rulers between 3rd to 13th century. Muslim rulers of Gujarat captured islands in 1348 and governed up to 1534. Present day city was an extensive group of 7 islands of Bombay Island, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli and Little Colaba with open sea, green vegetation and good views of landscapes on west side of coast. Portugese called it as "Bom Bahia" which translates into "Good Bay" in Portugese. The name of Mumbai is derived from Koli Goddess -"Mumba Devi" in 1507.  Portugese reached India in 1498 when Vasco Da Gama landed at Calicut. They established strong foothold in Goa which they captured from Sultan of Bijapur in 1510. The