History of Mumbai

Mumbai’s Roots

Before becoming the Mumbai today, this region was an archipelago consisting of seven little islands.  They were the Parel, Mahim, Worli, Bomby, Mazagaon and the Old Woman’s Island or the Little Colaba.  These seven islands were a part of an even bigger island called the Sashti which comprises of 66 villages.  The Sashti was inhabited by the Koli and Aagris tribes who were deep-sea fishermen and salt-makers respectively.  

Haji Ali Dargah

The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque built in 1431 by Haji Ali who was a rich merchant and who became a saint.  When he was about to make his Mecca pilgrimage, he gave up all his possessions.  Legend says that Haji Ali was not able to complete the journey because he died on his way.  It was amazing though that Haji Ali’s body drifted back to Mecca.  Afterwards, his followers decided to convert the mosque into a mausoleum in memory of him.