Question

Discuss with examples the types of urban centres set up by the British.

Accepted Answer

The de-urbanisation of India due to the British economic policies also led to the growth of new urban centres. These centres were set up to aid the growth of the economy for the British Empire. The following types of urban centres were set up:

Planned cities: These were planned and set up to be administrative centres for them. For example - New Delhi, built and developed by the British, became their capital in the twentieth century

Port cities: Cities like Calcutta, Madras and Bombay became important for ensuring the flow of goods to European countries. These became the new trading centres from where the raw materials and finished products were imported and exported. These centres were also important for the re-distribution of these goods in India

Hill Stations: The temperature in Indian cities and countryside were not suited for the British soldiers, and therefore for a cool retreat, they set up the hill stations in India. Shimla, Ooty and Darjeeling were some hill stations set up and planned by them. These cities also showcase fine examples of imperial architecture

Cantonment Cities: Many cantonment towns were also established by the British. Lansdowne in Uttarakhand is an excellent example. These cantonments were designed on a European scale, with wide streets and expansive open spaces. Residential and commercial structures were maintained separately

Discuss with examples the types of urban centres set up by the British.

Important Questions on Colonialism and Urban Change

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