Map of the Coastal Part of India, Between Bombay &Surat, 1782 A.D

By the end of the 17th century, Bombay had developed into an important local port. This century saw an intense rivalry between various powers - the British, the French and the Marathas, for the control of India. Much of British policy in Bombay during this uncertain period was directed to this power play. Surat, which has been a historic city situated on the banks of River Tapi in its deltaic region, lied much inside the hinterland away from the Arabian Sea during the period 1688 - 1910 A.D and it was difficult to have a harbour in the deltaic regions of a river. Mumbai has always been a natural deep-sea harbour. This meant, for the British, not depending on the water level of any river for their ships to enter the harbour. This vintage map highlights the trading mindset of the British Government and explains their reason for favouring Mumbai port over Surat.