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.
Rivers are Ravi, Satluj, Ganga, Yamuna, Beas, Kosi, Narmada, Godavari, Krishana, and Kaveri. Major Hill ranges are the Himalayas, Aravali, Vindhyachal, Satpura, Karakoram.
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?
What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
To what extent were social relations transformed in the new cities?
How did prominent Indian merchants establish themselves in the colonial city?
How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?
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?
In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals?
What are the problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
Why were the dialogues at the Round Table Conference inconclusive?
What were the measures taken to ensure unity among the rebels?
How was Mahatma Gandhi perceived by the peasants?
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
In what way did Mahatma Gandhi transform the nature of the national movement?
How did Mahatma Gandhi seek to identify with the common people?
What historical forces shaped the vision of the Constitution?