Colonialism and Urban Change in India

Exploring the Impact of British Rule on Indian Cities

Introduction

  • Welcome to my Youtube channel!
  • This presentation focuses on the major chapter of colonialism and urban change in India.
  • We will explore the key themes and important highlights of this chapter.
  • The impact of British rule on Indian cities will be discussed.

Chapter: Colonialism and Urban Change

  • Colonialism and urban change is an important chapter in understanding the development of Indian cities.
  • The themes of this chapter revolve around the changes in lifestyle and the impact on cities.
  • The main focus of this chapter is the introduction to colonialism and its impact on urban areas.
  • The chapter also highlights the transformation of Indian cities and the change in fortunes of these cities.

British Capital Cities in India

  • Bombay became the British capital and a major center for business and industry.
  • Delhi has been the capital of several empires throughout history.
  • Shahjahanabad in Delhi was a seventeenth-century city with a large area and significant features.
  • After 1857, Delhi became the capital of British India, leading to further development and transformation.

Transformation of Delhi

  • Delhi went through significant changes before and after the 1857 revolt for independence.
  • The British recaptured Delhi in 1857 and made it the imperial capital.
  • After the partition, Delhi witnessed a transformation with different camps and shelters for the displaced.
  • The new capital, New Delhi, introduced improvements in infrastructure, population management, and municipal services.

New Delhi and Delhi Improvement Trust

  • New Delhi was planned as the new capital of India after the partition.
  • It brought changes in population, drainage systems, and maintenance.
  • Delhi Improvement Trust was established in 1936 to enhance the city's infrastructure.
  • Housing plans were introduced, focusing on providing different economic backgrounds.

Conclusion

  • The impact of colonialism on Indian cities has been significant.
  • The transformation of cities like Bombay and Delhi shaped their growth and development.
  • New Delhi's role as the capital post-partition brought further changes and improvements.
  • The history of urban change in India reflects the complex and evolving nature of cities.