Mumbai (lang-mr?????, TranslmrMumba?, IPA (Help:IPA):Audio-IPAMumbai_pronunciation.ogg?m?m.b?i), formerly called Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai, the most populous city in India (List of most populous cities in India), is the second most populous city in the world (List of cities proper by population), with a population of approximately 14 million. Along with the neighbouring urban areas (Mumbai metropolitan area), including the cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it is one of the most populous urban regions (List of urban agglomerations by population) in the world. Mumbai lies on the west (Konkan) coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. As of 2009, Mumbai was named an Alpha world city. Mumbai is also the richest city in India.

The seven islands (Seven islands of Bombay) that came to constitute Mumbai were home to communities of fishing colonies (Kolis). For centuries, the islands came under the control of successive indigenous empires (History of Mumbai under indigenous empires) before being ceded to the Portuguese (Portuguese Empire) and subsequently to the British East India Company. During the mid-18th century, Bombay was reshaped by the British with large-scale civil engineering projects (Hornby Vellard), and emerged as a significant trading town. Economic and educational development characterised the city during the 19th century. It became a strong base for the Indian independence movement during the early 20th century. When India became independent in 1947, the city was incorporated into Bombay State. In 1960, following the Samyukta Maharashtra movement (Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti), a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as capital. It was renamed Mumbai in 1995.

Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment centre of India, generating 5% of Indias GDP, and accounting for 25% of industrial output, 40% of maritime trade, and 70% of capital transactions to Indias economy (Economy of India). Mumbai is home to important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India and the corporate headquarters (List of Indian companies headquartered in Mumbai) of numerous Indian companies (List of Indian companies) and multinational corporations. The city also houses Indias Hindi film and television industry (indian cinema), known as Bollywood. Mumbais business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher standard of living (Standard of living in India), attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a potpourri of many communities and cultures (culture of India).