To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
A careful study of the data collected through the census provides us a lot of information in understanding the trend of urbanisation. It can be examined as under:
(a) The process of urbanisation was sluggish in India after 1800.
(b) In the nineteenth century and in first two decades of the twentieth century the proportion of the urban population was very low and stagnant.
(c) Which recorded between 1900 and 1940, A 13% increase in the urban population which recorded between whereas during the same period, these was a overall 10% increase in the population of the whole country.
(d) The data, thus, collected helps us in the enumeration of people according to their age, sex, caste, religion, occupation, etc.
What were the concerns that influenced town planning in the nineteenth century?
What were the new kinds of public places that emerged in the colonial city? What functions did they serve?
On an outline map of India, trace the major rivers and hill ranges. Plot ten cities mentionedin 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 pre-colonial) changed in the nineteenth century.
To what extent were social relations transformed in the new cities?
How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?
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?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
How did Mahatma Gandhi seek to identify with the common people?
What did the Muslim League demand through its resolution of 1940?
What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution?
How did zamindars manage to retain control over their zamindaris?
Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
How was Mahatma Gandhi perceived by the peasants?
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
How was the term minority defined by different groups?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India?
Discuss the different arguments made in favour of protection of the oppressed groups.
Examine the strengths and limitations of oral history. How have oral-history techniques furthered our understanding of Partition?
How did the Paharias respond to the coming of outsiders?
How did ordinary people view Partition?
In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals?
What do visual representations tell us about the revolt of 1857? How do historians analyse these representations?
Why did the salt laws become an important issue of struggle?