Explain any three reasons for the expansion of Bombay’s (Mumbai’s) population in the mid 18^th century.

The reasons for the expansion of Bombay in the mid-eighteenth century were:

1. Bombay was declared the capital of Bombay presidency at the time, which gave it more importance.

2. Bombay was a high-flyer when it came to opium trade, and was also known as the capital of the underworld (black market).

3. Bombay dominated the maritime trade and attracted a lot of merchants, leading to a rise in population growth.

Hence, we can say that the growth of population in Bombay mainly occurred due to socio-economic factors.