Examine how concerns of defence and health gave shape to Calcutta.
Sirajudaula, the Nawab of Bengal in 1756, sacked the small fort from Britisher. In this fort the British traders had built to house their goods. Consequently, when Sirajudaula was defeated in the Battle of Plassey, the British built a new fort, Fort William which could not be easily attacked. Around this a vast open space was left. This open space ‘ was called the Maidan or garermath. This was done for security reasons, because there would be no obstructions to a straight time of fire from the Fort against an advancing enemy army. Soon the British began to move out of the Fort. They built residences along the periphery of the Maidan. This indicates that how the English Settlement in Calcutta began to take shape. The vast open space around the Fort William became the significant town planning measure in Calcutta (Now Kolkata). Lord Wellesley was more concerned about the conditions that existed in the cities. Cities were overcrowded, and had no sanitation facilities. He issued an administrative order in 1803 on the need for town planning and set up various committees for this purpose open places in the city would make the city healthier. As a result of this, many bazaars, ghats, burial ground and tanneries were cleared or removed. After Wellesley’s departure, the Lottery Committee carried on with the work of town planning in Calcutta.
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?
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
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?
What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?
How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?
How did prominent Indian merchants establish themselves in the colonial city?
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 is Partition viewed as an extremely significant marker in South Asian history?
Why were many zamindaris auctioned after the Permanent Settlement?
Discuss the extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857.
How did zamindars manage to retain control over their zamindaris?
What are the problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants?
How did the Paharias respond to the coming of outsiders?
What explains the anger of the Deccan ryots against Fig. 10.20 the moneylenders?
What historical forces shaped the vision of the Constitution?
Why did the salt laws become an important issue of struggle?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?