In 1665 the British took over Bombay. This colonial period endured until the independence of India in 1947. When the first British community settled in Bombay, five of the originally seven islands where already added to each other when the tide was low. Only the two smallest Islands on the south were separated from the rest at that time. Around 1730 the British made the five islands into one. Walls of clay made it impossible for the sea to reach the lower country.Hundred years later they made a dam to connect the two southern islands with the rest of the city, nowadays the center of Bombay still looks that way.

Just like in the most cities of the third world people from all over the country came to the city to look for work in the factories. Everyday over hundreds of people arrive in Bombay with the hope to find a job in the city. The industrialization of Bombay started in the Second World War. The British build factories to make arms for the war. Thousands of new jobs were created by this kind of industry. After the independence the industrialization kept on going in a fast speed. This made the housing of the city grow on and on. Between 1941 and 1961 the population of Bombay inclined with 17 percent, from 1.490.000 people to 4.152.000 people. In 1995 there were 15 million people living in Bombay. When this growth continues the city will have about 18 million inhabitants at the end of this century.

Bombay has become a harsh, impossible and unforgettable place. There are many children who live as beggars and sleep in the streets as well as there are many slums. Everywhere you hear noises, traffic is all over the place and you can find skyscrapers and expensive hotels. You will find the richest and poorest people in Bombay. All races and tribes can be found in this city for from all over India people came to try their luck.