Question

Describe the colonial urban development.

Answer 1

• Port cities:

1. The British arrived in India for trading. Madras, Calcutta, and Bombay became the important ports. They played important role in trade. These cities became the prominent commercial areas with tall European – styled buildings.
2. Fort St. George in Madras and Fort St. William in Calcutta were the best examples.

• Cantonment towns:

1. The British occupied the Indian territory and political power by their military force. So they needed strong military camps and established the cantonments
2. For e.g, Kanpur, Lahore.

• Hill Stations:

1. Hill stations were distinctive features of colonial urban development. Although Hill stations were not unknown, prior to their founding by the British in India, they were few and had a small population and were often visited for specific purpose.
2. For e.g. Srinagar was a Mughal recreational centre, Kedarnath and Badrinath were Hindu religious Centres.

• Railway towns:

1. Railway towns were also a type of urban settlements and were established in 1853 after the introduction of railways by the British.
2. By the nature of railway transport, all the towns were located on the plains.