Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a city with a rich and fascinating history. From its origins as seven islands to becoming India’s financial capital, Mumbai has witnessed colonial rule, trade revolutions, industrial growth, and significant contributions to India’s independence movement.
Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, MPSC, SSC, or banking exams, this Mumbai History Quiz is a great way to test your knowledge.
📌 How Well Do You Know Mumbai’s History?
Take this 20-question GK quiz and see if you are a true Mumbaikar!
🏆 Ultimate Mumbai History GK Quiz: 20 Questions with Answers
1. What was Mumbai originally called before the British renamed it Bombay?
✅ Answer: Bombaim (a Portuguese name derived from “Bom Bahia,” meaning “Good Bay”)
2. Which European power controlled Mumbai before the British?
✅ Answer: The Portuguese
3. In which year did the British East India Company take over Mumbai from the Portuguese?
✅ Answer: 1661, as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married King Charles II of England
4. What was Mumbai before becoming a city?
✅ Answer: It was a group of seven islands, inhabited mainly by the Koli fishing community
5. Which historic railway station in Mumbai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
✅ Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus
6. When was the first train in India started, and which two places did it connect?
✅ Answer: April 16, 1853, between Mumbai (Boree Bunder) and Thane
7. Who founded the first cotton mill in Mumbai in 1854?
✅ Answer: Cowasji Nanabhai Davar
8. What was the Quit India Movement, and when was it launched in Mumbai?
✅ Answer: It was a major movement against British rule, launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, from Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan) in Mumbai.
9. When was Bombay officially renamed Mumbai?
✅ Answer: 1995
10. Which fort in Mumbai was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century?
✅ Answer: Fort George, which led to the development of Fort area in Mumbai.
11. What is the name of the famous promenade in South Mumbai known as the “Queen’s Necklace”?
✅ Answer: Marine Drive
12. Which famous hotel was the target of the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai?
✅ Answer: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
13. Who was Mumbai named after?
✅ Answer: Mumbadevi, the goddess worshipped by the Koli fishing community.
14. Which cave temples near Mumbai are a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
✅ Answer: Elephanta Caves
15. Which important economic event in Mumbai’s history led to a major industrial boom?
✅ Answer: The cotton textile industry boom during the American Civil War (1861-1865)
16. What is the name of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest market, built in 1869?
✅ Answer: Crawford Market (now Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market)
17. Which major explosion occurred in Mumbai’s docks in 1944?
✅ Answer: Bombay Dock Explosion, when a British ship carrying explosives caught fire, causing massive destruction.
18. Which Mumbai suburb was a Portuguese colony until 1739?
✅ Answer: Bandra
19. What is the name of Mumbai’s first planned industrial township?
✅ Answer: Bhiwandi
20. Who was the first Governor of Bombay under British rule?
✅ Answer: Gerald Aungier (1672-1677)
📚 Why Should You Take a Mumbai History GK Quiz?
Taking a GK quiz on Mumbai’s history can help you:
✔ Enhance your knowledge about one of India’s most historic cities.
✔ Prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, MPSC, SSC, Bank Exams, and Railway Exams.
✔ Understand Mumbai’s past and how it evolved into today’s economic powerhouse.
✔ Improve your general awareness for quizzes, debates, and discussions.
❓ FAQs About Mumbai History GK Quiz
Q1: Why is Mumbai important in Indian history?
✅ Answer: Mumbai has played a key role in India’s colonial history, industrial growth, and independence movement. It was a major British trade hub, a center for the Quit India Movement (1942), and later became India’s financial capital.
Q2: What were the original seven islands of Mumbai?
✅ Answer:
- Colaba
- Little Colaba (Old Woman’s Island)
- Mazagaon
- Parel
- Bombay Island
- Mahim
- Worli
The British later joined these islands through land reclamation to form present-day Mumbai.
Q3: What is the significance of Marine Drive being called the “Queen’s Necklace”?
✅ Answer: At night, the streetlights along Marine Drive form a glowing curve, resembling a necklace, giving it this name.
Q4: Who built the Gateway of India, and why?
✅ Answer: The Gateway of India was built in 1911 to welcome King George V and Queen Mary on their visit to India.
Q5: Why was Bombay renamed Mumbai?
✅ Answer: The name was changed in 1995 to honor Mumbadevi, the goddess worshipped by the Koli community, Mumbai’s original inhabitants.
Q6: What are Mumbai’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
✅ Answer:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)
- Elephanta Caves
- Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Buildings of Mumbai
Q7: Which is Mumbai’s first railway station?
✅ Answer: Boree Bunder, which later became Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST).
🎯 Final Thoughts
Mumbai’s history is full of incredible events, cultural transformations, and industrial revolutions. Whether you’re a student, a history buff, or preparing for competitive exams, this Mumbai History GK Quiz is a great way to test and improve your knowledge.
💬 How many questions did you answer correctly? Share your score in the comments below! 👇
📌 Want more history quizzes on different cities or topics? Let us know! 🚀