Bandora or Bandra In British Era Bombay, 1882 Print 

A clipping from an 1882 newspaper shows early view of Bandora, now Bandra in Bombay (Mumbai). It was once a cluster of tiny villages populated by its original inhabitants, the Kolis, Bhandaris and Sutars. The once lushly wooded Bandra appears serenly beautiful in this rare engraving. It was part of Salsette Island, which was then under Portuguese control until 1779.

Salsette is now known as North Mumbai. Bandra at one time was known variously as Bandor, Bandora, Bandera, Bandura, Bandara, etc. The name was probably derived from the word Bander or monkey which used to inhabit the area. The British then anglicized it to Bandra. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to acquire the seven islands of Bombay along with Salsette in 1534.

However, they had to cede the seven islands to the English King Charles II as dowry when he married Catharine of Braganza in 1661. Although, they retained Salsette but eventually surrendered it to the British in 1779. There were many Portuguese churches, and St Andrews was one of the earliest dating to 1575. Bandra has two hills particularly Mount Mary and Pali Hills.

Did you know- it has a Fort Castella de Aguada better known as Bandra Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1640. 

From the collection- Vintage Photo Colaba Coast 1890.,  Vintage Postcard + FDC Prongs Lighthouse Mumbai.,  Vintage Print Madras of Buckingham Canal 1922.,  Antique Painting of Madras Fort St George.,  Book Everyday Life In India By Rowe