To what extent were social relations transformed in the new cities?
(i)There was a big contrast between extreme wealth and poverty in the new cities. New means of transport facilities such as horse-drawn carriages, trams, buses, etc. made travelling from home to work an interesting experience.
(ii)Creation of public places like theatres public parks and cinema halls provided new forms of entertainment and social interaction.
(iii)New social groups were formed people of all classes started to migrate to the cities. With an increased demand for lawyers and engineers the “middle class” increased. Debate and discussion became popular and established social norms and practices were questioned.
(iv)Cities also offered new opportunities for women. They chose new professions in the city as factory workers, teachers, film actresses, etc. for a long time so women remained objects of social censure.
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.
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?
What did the Muslim League demand through its resolution of 1940?
Why was the charkha chosen as a symbol of nationalism?
What do visual representations tell us about the revolt of 1857? How do historians analyse these representations?
Why are newspapers an important source for the study of the national movement?
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?