Mumbai capital of Maharashtra state, western India. Located partly on Mumbai Island, it is flanked by Mumbai Harbour and the ARABIAN SEA. It is India's principal port on that sea and one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world. The town was acquired by the Portuguese in 1534. It was ceded to the English as part of the dowry of CATHERINE of BRAGANZA, who married CHARLES II in 1661. Granted to the British EAST INDIA Company in 1668, it became the company's headquarters in 1672. and in 1708 it was made the centre of British authority in India. After the opening of the SUEZ CANAL in 1869, Mumbai grew to be the largest distributing entrepot in India's economic hub and the heart of financial and commercial activity, its cultural and education centre, and headquarters of its film industry.
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