Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has a rich history dating back centuries. From its origins as seven small islands to becoming a global metropolis, Mumbai has witnessed colonial rule, economic transformations, and cultural evolution. Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or preparing for competitive exams, testing your knowledge of Mumbai’s past is both fun and educational.
In this article, we bring you an exciting Mumbai History GK Quiz, covering key historical events, famous personalities, and interesting facts. Let’s see how well you know Mumbai’s past!
Mumbai History GK Quiz: Questions & Answers
1. What was Mumbai originally known as before the British renamed it?
✅ Answer: Bombay
2. Which European power first controlled Mumbai before the British?
✅ Answer: The Portuguese
3. In which year did the British East India Company acquire Mumbai from the Portuguese?
✅ Answer: 1661 (as part of a dowry for the marriage of King Charles II of England)
4. Who is considered the founder of modern Mumbai due to his development projects in the 19th century?
✅ Answer: Sir Bartle Frere
5. What was the original purpose of the Gateway of India?
✅ Answer: It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.
6. Which famous freedom fighter started the Quit India Movement from Mumbai in 1942?
✅ Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
7. What was the name of the first railway line in India, which started from Mumbai?
✅ Answer: The Mumbai-Thane railway line, inaugurated in 1853.
8. Which iconic structure in Mumbai served as a landing point for British viceroys and governors?
✅ Answer: Gateway of India
9. Which historic 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)
10. Who founded the city’s first cotton mill in 1854, marking the start of Mumbai’s industrial revolution?
✅ Answer: Cowasji Nanabhai Davar
11. What was Mumbai’s role in India’s independence movement?
✅ Answer: It was a major center for protests, including the Quit India Movement of 1942.
12. When was Bombay officially renamed Mumbai?
✅ Answer: 1995
13. Which famous sea-facing promenade is known as the “Queen’s Necklace”?
✅ Answer: Marine Drive
14. What is the name of Mumbai’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site?
✅ Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus
15. Which famous cave temples, located near Mumbai, are known for their rock-cut sculptures?
✅ Answer: Elephanta Caves
16. Which historic Mumbai landmark is home to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel?
✅ Answer: Apollo Bunder
17. Who was Mumbai named after?
✅ Answer: The city was named after Mumbadevi, the local deity of the Koli fishing community.
18. What was the significance of the Bombay Dock Explosion of 1944?
✅ Answer: A British ship carrying explosives caught fire in Mumbai’s docks, causing one of the largest explosions in Indian history.
19. Which Mumbai suburb was once a separate Portuguese colony?
✅ Answer: Bandra
20. What is the name of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest market?
✅ Answer: Crawford Market (now known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market)
Why Should You Take a Mumbai History GK Quiz?
Taking a Mumbai GK quiz is a great way to:
✔ Improve your general knowledge about India’s financial capital.
✔ Prepare for competitive exams such as UPSC, MPSC, and SSC.
✔ Learn about the city’s colonial, industrial, and cultural history.
✔ Test how well you know your city if you’re a Mumbaikar!
Mumbai’s past is full of fascinating stories—from British rule to India’s independence movement and its rise as an economic powerhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was Mumbai renamed from Bombay?
✅ Answer: The name was changed in 1995 to reflect its original Marathi name derived from the local goddess Mumbadevi and to move away from its colonial past.
Q2: What was Mumbai before becoming a major city?
✅ Answer: Mumbai was originally a group of seven islands, inhabited mainly by the Koli fishing community, before the British joined them through land reclamation.
Q3: What was the significance of Mumbai in India’s independence movement?
✅ Answer: Mumbai was the center of major protests, including the Quit India Movement of 1942, led by Mahatma Gandhi, and was a key hub for nationalist activities.
Q4: What are some of the oldest landmarks in Mumbai?
✅ Answer: Some historic landmarks include:
✔ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) – Built in 1887.
✔ Elephanta Caves – Dating back to the 5th century.
✔ Gateway of India – Built in 1911.
✔ Crawford Market – Established in 1869.
Q5: What role did Mumbai play in India’s industrial revolution?
✅ Answer: Mumbai became India’s first major industrial hub, with the first cotton textile mill established in 1854, leading to the city’s rapid economic growth.
Q6: What was the Bombay Dock Explosion of 1944?
✅ Answer: A British ship carrying explosives caught fire and exploded in Mumbai’s docks, causing over 800 deaths and major destruction to the port area.
Q7: Which colonial powers ruled Mumbai before the British?
✅ Answer: The Portuguese controlled Mumbai before giving it to the British as part of a royal dowry in 1661.
Q8: Why is Marine Drive called the “Queen’s Necklace”?
✅ Answer: At night, the streetlights along the curved Marine Drive resemble a glowing necklace, giving it the name “Queen’s Necklace”.
Final Thoughts
Mumbai’s history is a blend of ancient heritage, colonial rule, economic progress, and cultural diversity. Whether you’re a student, history lover, or someone preparing for an exam, this Mumbai History GK Quiz is a great way to test and improve your knowledge.
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