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Colonial Cities
Why did the British take upon themselves the task of town planning from the early years of their rule in Bengal?
Concern for Defence : The British adopted the task of town-planning as they needed defence against local rulers. Sirajudaula, the Nawab of Bengal, attacked Calcutta in 1756. He sacked the small fort, built by the Englishmen, to keep their goods. The traders of the East India Company always questioned the sovereignty of the Nawab. They were not ready to pay customs duties. So Sirajudaula wanted to assert his authority.
Construction of Another Fort:
Sirajudaula was defeated in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. So East India Company decided to build a new fort which should be invincible and impregnable. It was named as Fort William.
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What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?
How did prominent Indian merchants establish themselves in the colonial city?
Examine how concerns of defence and health gave shape to Calcutta.
What are the different colonial architectural styles which can be seen in Bombay city?
How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?
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.
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