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Mumbai, the city of dreams, has always been a city of migrants. People moved here from near and far, by land and sea, their dreams wrapped in optimism and hope. The seven islands that became the erstwhile Bombay welcomed them all. Just as the islands of this city were linked, so were its people, creating a multi-hued and multi-textured fabric-one that is uniquely Mumbai.

Mumbai is popularly known for its cosmopolitan culture and its financial clout. This book, however, focuses on the history of the many communities that contributed to its wealth, both culturally and financially. While the Kolis, the Pathare Prabhus, and the East Indian Christians are regarded as its early inhabitants, others like the Parsis, Marwaris, Bhatias, Bohras, Khojas, Konkani Muslims, and the Jewish communities arrived later and created a space for themselves. Residential quarters, like the baugs, emerged to house them, while their cuisines mingled to create a vibrant food culture. This collection of essays is an attempt to introduce the reader to some of the early settlers of Mumbai and their culture.