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Colonial Cities
Discuss changes done by the British in the field of local bodies after 1858.
Changes in the field of local bodies after 1858 : Financial crisis led the government to further decentralize administration by promoting local government through municipalities and district boards. Local bodies were first formed between 1864 and 1868 consisted of nominated members who were presided over by District Magistrate. In this regard Lord Ripen took some important steps during his rule in 1882. A government resolution laid down the policy for local administration through rural and urban local bodies:
(a) In big cities Municipal Committees were set up by the British Government.
(b) In the villages district boards were set up.
(c) Education, health, cleanliness, supply of water and other local services were entrusted in the hands of local institutions.
(d) The members of the rural and urban local bodies would be non-officials who were elected by the people.
(e) These non-official members were permitted to be elected as chairman of local body.
(f) The elected members were very less in number in all the municipalities and the district boards because they were elected by a small number of voters as the right to vote was given only to some limited people.
(g) The district officials acted as presidents of district boards and the non-officials gradually become chairman of municipal committees.
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What were the new kinds of public places that emerged in the colonial city? What functions did they serve?
What were the concerns that influenced town planning in the nineteenth century?
To what extent were social relations transformed in the new cities?
On an outline map of India, trace the major rivers and hill ranges. Plot ten cities mentioned in the chapter, including Bombay. Calcutta and Madras, and prepare a brief note on why the importance of any two cities that you have marked (one colonial and one precolonial) changed in the nineteenth century.
You have been reading about big colonial cities. Choose any small town with a long history. It could be a temple town, market town, administrative centre, a pilgrimage centre or a combination of these. Find out how the town was established, when it developed, and how its history changed during modern times.
Choose five different types of buildings in your town or village. For each of these, find out when it was built, how it was planned, how resources were obtained for its construction, and how long it took to built it. What do the architectural features of the buildings express?
Choose five different types of buildings in your town or village. For each of these, find out when it was built, how it was planned, how resources were obtained for its construction, and how long it took to built it. What do the architectural features of the buildings express ?
Why was the colonial government keen on mapping? Mention any two reasons.
Why were the figures of mortality and disease difficult to collect? Give two reasons.
Why did paupens from rural areas flock to the cities? Mention any two reasons.
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