Keywords To Remember
- Urbanisation
The process by which rural areas develop into towns and cities.
- De-urbanisation
The decline or destruction of existing towns and cities, often due to economic or administrative changes.
- Presidency Towns
Major cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras that served as administrative centres under British rule.
- White Town
The part of a colonial city inhabited by the British with better infrastructure and facilities.
- Black Town
The area of a colonial city inhabited by Indians, typically with poor infrastructure.
- Municipal Corporation
An urban local government body responsible for providing civic amenities like water, sanitation, and roads.
- Cantonment
A permanent military station established by the British in India.
- Civil Lines
Residential areas built by the British for European officials, separated from Indian neighbourhoods.
- Town Duties Committee
A British-established body for planning and urban development in Delhi during the 19th century.
- Delhi Durbar
Ceremonial gatherings to mark the coronation of British monarchs as Emperors or Empresses of India.
- Raisina Hill
The location in Delhi where important buildings like Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House were constructed.
- Imperial Delhi Committee
Formed in 1913 to oversee the construction and development of New Delhi.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
Formerly the Viceroy’s House; it is now the official residence of the President of India.
- Rajpath (Kingsway)
A ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi built by the British for parades and state events.
- India Gate
A war memorial built in memory of Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
- New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC)
A municipal body formed to manage civic amenities in the newly built New Delhi area.
- Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
A government agency established in 1955 to plan and develop the city of Delhi.
- Master Plan
A detailed plan that guides the development of a city, including housing, transport, and utilities.
- Indian Police Act, 1861
An act passed by the British to organise police into a regular force.
- Superintendent of Police
The head of police in a district under the British and even today in India.
- Chowkidar
A watchman appointed to maintain law and order at the village level.
- Railways
A transport system introduced by the British for administrative, commercial, and military purposes.
- Kalka Mail
A historic train route connecting Howrah and Kalka, used by British officials en route to Shimla.
- Raja Ravi Varma
A renowned Indian painter influenced by Western art techniques during British rule.
- Abanindranath Thakur
A key figure in the Bengal School of Art who blended Indian themes with Western styles.
- Fort William College
A British educational institution in Calcutta that promoted English education and translation of Indian texts.
- Printing Press
Introduced in India by missionaries; it revolutionised access to books and knowledge.
- Colonial Architecture
A blend of European and Indian styles seen in buildings made by the British in India.
- Zonal Plan
A subdivision of the master plan, detailing land use for specific zones in a city.
- Banquet Hall
A large hall used by the British for official events and social gatherings.
Something to Know
Tick (✔️) the correct option.
- Which one of the following was not a Presidency Town during the British period?
(a) Surat
(b) Bombay
(c) Calcutta
(d) Madras
Answer – (a) Surat
- The British shifted their capital from Calcutta to which other place in 1911?
(a)Shimla
(b) Madras
(c) Bombay
(d) New Delhi
Answer – (d) New Delhi
- Which one of the following did not happen due to the introduction of railways in India?
(a) awareness against social evils.
(b) freedom from foreign exploitation.
(c) aroused the need for modern education.
(d) divided the Indian society.
Answer – (b) freedom from foreign exploitation.
- Employment opportunities of Calcutta increased many times due to—
(a) building infrastructure facilities.
(b) its location in the east of India.
(c) its nearness to the sea.
(d) migration of people from other cities.
Answer – (a) building infrastructure facilities.
- Which one of the following was not an objective of the New Delhi Municipal Committee set-up Britishers?
(a) To provide an underground sewer system.
(b) To construct more open nallas to drain out water.
(c) To provide medical and public health facilities.
(d) To introduce a proper water supply system.
Answer – (b) To construct more open nallas to drain out water.
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The great literary figures like ________ , ________ and ________ were influenced by the English pattern of writing.
Answer – Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
- Many huge ________ wonders were built in the port city of Madras by the Britishers.
Answer – architectural
- Many English painters arrived in India in search of princely ________ .
Answer – patronage
- Calcutta was the _________ capital of the British, whereas their ________capital was
Shimla.
Answer – administrative, summer
5 ________ ________ ________ was set-up in 1955 to develop and manage land in Delhi.
Answer – Delhi Development Authority
C. Match the following.
- Relocation of New Delhi as the British capital (a) 1877
- Formation of Delhi Municipal Committee (b) 1946
- Delhi Durbar for Queen Victoria (c) 1863
- Beginning of Indian Railways (d) 1911
- Restructuring of Delhi Police (e) 1853
Answer –
Column A | Column B | Answer |
1. Relocation of New Delhi as the British capital | (d) 1911 | 1 → d |
2. Formation of Delhi Municipal Committee | (c) 1863 | 2 → c |
3. Delhi Durbar for Queen Victoria | (a) 1877 | 3 → a |
4. Beginning of Indian Railways | (e) 1853 | 4 → e |
5. Restructuring of Delhi Police | (b) 1946 | 5 → b |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Why did the British introduce railways in India? Explain any three reasons.
Answer – The British introduced railways in India to:
Transport raw materials from the interior to ports for export.
Strengthen their military control over the vast territory.
Promote trade and business for their economic benefit.
- Describe the police organisation of Lord Cornwallis.
Answer – Lord Cornwallis introduced a structured police system in India. He divided districts into thanas (police stations) and appointed Darogas (station in-charges) under European magistrates. The main aim was to maintain law and order and strengthen British control.
- Highlight any three major improvements that took place in Delhi before the Delhi Durbar of 1877.
Answer – Before the Delhi Durbar of 1877, the British made several improvements in Delhi, such as:
Construction of wide roads and improved sanitation.
Establishment of railway and telegraph lines.
Setting up administrative offices and institutions.
- How did some old trading centres lose their glory and became de-urbanised?
Answer – Old trading centres lost their importance because:
The British shifted trade to coastal port cities.
Traditional crafts declined due to British imports.
People migrated in search of better opportunities, leading to de-urbanisation.
- What type of discrimination did the people of Calcutta experience after it became the British capital in India?
Answer – After becoming the capital, Calcutta saw racial discrimination, such as:
Europeans lived in better-developed areas while Indians lived in overcrowded and poorly maintained zones.
Indians were excluded from top administrative positions.
Unequal access to public facilities like clubs, schools, and parks.
E. Answer the following questions.
- ‘The British successfully influenced painting, literature and architecture of India.’ Give examples to support this statement.
Answer – The British had a profound influence on Indian painting, literature, and architecture:
Painting: English painters like Thomas Daniell and William Daniell visited India and painted Indian landscapes, forts, and palaces. Indian artists also began adopting Western styles and techniques.
Literature: Indian writers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Rabindranath Tagore were influenced by English literary forms and themes. They began writing novels, essays, and poetry in English or in regional languages using Western styles.
Architecture: The British introduced Gothic, Victorian, and Indo-Saracenic styles in buildings. Structures like the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta, Gateway of India in Bombay, and Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi are notable examples.
- Describe any five major changes brought about in Delhi by the British before the development of New Delhi.
Answer – The British introduced several changes in Delhi before New Delhi was built:
Construction of wide, straight roads to improve transport and military movement.
Establishment of railways linking Delhi to other parts of India.
Improvement in sanitation through drainage and waste disposal systems.
Creation of cantonment areas for British troops and officials.
Demolition and rebuilding of old Mughal buildings to suit British administrative needs.
3.Describe the distinct features of the city of Calcutta as developed by the British in India. Inspite of this, why did the British shift their capital to New Delhi?
Answer – Distinct features of Calcutta:
It had modern infrastructure like roads, railways, post offices, and administrative buildings.
Educational institutions and courts were established.
It became a major trade and cultural center.
Reasons for shifting the capital to New Delhi:
Calcutta was far from the center of India, making governance difficult.
The British wanted a capital in the north for strategic and administrative reasons.
Rising nationalist movements in Bengal made Calcutta politically unstable.
Delhi had historical importance and symbolized imperial power.
- ‘Introduction of railways in India proved to be a blessing in disguise.’ Give three arguments in favour of and three against the statement.
Answer – In favour:
Improved connectivity and transport of goods and people across vast regions.
Boosted trade and commerce by linking markets, ports, and towns.
Helped in the spread of ideas and awareness during the freedom movement.
Against:
Primarily served British interests by facilitating exploitation of resources.
Encouraged migration and urban crowding, leading to social problems.
Contributed to the divide between the rich and the poor, as Indians often worked in low positions.
- Describe the developmental activities undertaken to construct and develop New Delhi as the new British Capital.
Answer – The construction of New Delhi involved extensive planning and modern development:
Architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed the city with wide roads and green spaces.
Important buildings like Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and India Gate were constructed.
A proper underground sewer system and clean water supply were introduced.
Town planning included gardens, parks, and residential areas for officials.
Infrastructure like electricity, telegraph, and public health facilities was developed to support the capital’s functioning.
Value Based Question
‘
While watching the Republic Day celebration at the Rajpath on television, you were surprised to see the well planned roads and buildings there. Then your grandfather told you that they were planned during the British period.
- Highlight some examples of town planning done by the British in Delhi.
Answer – Some examples of British town planning in Delhi include:
Construction of wide and straight roads like Rajpath and Janpath.
Building of grand government structures such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and North and South Blocks.
Planning of residential zones, administrative areas, and market places with proper layouts.
Development of a proper drainage system, water supply, and green parks.
Division of Delhi into Civil Lines, Cantonment Areas, and Administrative Zones.
- How did this planning prove to be beneficial for the Indians?
Answer – The British planning in Delhi benefited Indians in many ways:
Provided a strong foundation for modern urban infrastructure.
Created efficient road and transport networks that continue to serve the public.
Introduced sanitation systems that improved public health.
Laid the base for further planned development after Independence.
Preserved heritage buildings which are now important tourist and historical sites.
- According to you, what three precautions should be taken by citizens to ensure good condition of roads.
Answer – To maintain roads in good condition, citizens should:
Avoid littering or dumping construction waste on roads and footpaths.
Report potholes and road damage to the concerned authorities promptly.
Follow traffic rules and avoid overloading vehicles, which damages road surfaces.
Something To Do
- Compare the activities of New Delhi Municipal Committee during British period and the present time in free India.
Answer –
Aspect | During British Period | Present Time (Free India) |
Objective | Served British officials and maintained British colonial areas | Serve all citizens equally with democratic values |
Development Focus | Focused on colonial government buildings, roads near Raisina Hill | Focus on inclusive urban planning, public welfare, sanitation, education, and health |
Public Services | Limited access to Indians; emphasized European standards in select areas | Expanded public services (sanitation, water, health, etc.) to all parts of the city |
Decision-Making | British authorities had full control | Elected representatives and citizens have participation |
- During your vacation, plan a trip to Delhi and visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, Rajpath and areas around them. In your opnion, how far is this a British gift to the Indians?
Answer – These sites are definitely part of the British architectural and urban planning legacy in India. Structures like Rashtrapati Bhawan (formerly Viceroy’s House), Parliament House, and Rajpath were designed to showcase the might of the British Empire. However, after independence, these places were redefined to reflect India’s sovereignty and democratic values. Thus, while they were built by the British, their present use and symbolism are a gift Indians have reclaimed and redefined as a part of their national pride and heritage.
- Collect pictures, facts and other related information to establish that Delhi is indeed a heritage city.
Answer – Pictures to Collect:
Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Lotus Temple
Facts:
Delhi has been the capital of several empires including the Mughals and the British.
It houses three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb).
The city has a rich blend of Mughal, colonial, and modern architecture.
It is the seat of the Indian government and a cultural hub for art, festivals, and history.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the blanks
- The British introduced the __________ system of government in India.
Answer: British colonial
- The first railway line in India was laid between __________ and __________.
Answer: Calcutta, Hooghly
- The foundation of New Delhi was laid in __________.
Answer: 1911
- __________ was the first city to be planned by the British in India.
Answer: New Delhi
- __________ was the British-built fort in Delhi that symbolized British power during colonial rule.
Answer: Red Fort
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- The British shifted their capital from Calcutta to __________.
(a) Shimla
(b) Bombay
(c) New Delhi
(d) Madras
Answer: (c) New Delhi
- Who was the architect responsible for designing New Delhi?
(a) Lutyens
(b) Hardy
(c) James
(d) Thomas
Answer: (a) Lutyens
- Which event led to the formation of the New Delhi Municipal Committee?
(a) The Delhi Durbar of 1877
(b) The Delhi Durbar of 1911
(c) The foundation laying of New Delhi
(d) The creation of the Indian Railway system
Answer: (a) The Delhi Durbar of 1877
- The primary objective of the introduction of railways by the British was to __________.
(a) Promote tourism
(b) Facilitate transport of goods and resources
(c) Help farmers
(d) Improve education
Answer: (b) Facilitate transport of goods and resources
- The __________ was the seat of the British colonial government in India.
(a) Rajpath
(b) Rashtrapati Bhawan
(c) India Gate
(d) Viceroy’s House
Answer: (d) Viceroy’s House
True/False Questions
- The British introduced the railway system in India primarily to benefit the local population.
Answer: False (The railways were introduced mainly for British commercial interests.)
- The British capital in India was shifted to New Delhi in 1911.
Answer: True
- Calcutta was the capital of India during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Answer: True
- The New Delhi Municipal Committee was formed to promote Indian culture and heritage.
Answer: False (It was formed to plan and manage infrastructure for the British capital.)
- Delhi was a major centre of trade and commerce even before British colonization.
Answer: True
Competency-Based Questions
- Question: How did the establishment of the New Delhi Municipal Committee contribute to the development of the city?
Answer: The formation of the New Delhi Municipal Committee enabled the planning and development of infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, water supply, and public health services. It also laid the foundation for New Delhi to become a well-organized and modern city for the British capital.
- Question: Describe the impact of railways on India’s economic development during British rule.
Answer: The British railway system in India enabled the transportation of goods across the country, thus facilitating trade. While it supported British colonial economic interests by ensuring the movement of raw materials to ports for export, it also laid the foundation for Indian industries and urbanization.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions
- Question: How did the British use architecture and urban planning to assert their dominance in India? Discuss with examples.
Answer: The British used architecture as a tool to showcase their power and control over India. Examples include the construction of large colonial buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, and the grand planning of New Delhi with wide avenues and imposing government structures. This reinforced their imperial image and made the city a visual symbol of their colonial rule.
- Question: In what ways did the introduction of railways change the social fabric of Indian society?
Answer: The introduction of railways led to increased movement of people, facilitating the spread of ideas, education, and news. It also helped integrate various regions of India, which led to more interactions and exchange between people from different cultural backgrounds. However, it also led to the division of Indian society in terms of class, as the British focused on segregating spaces for the colonial officials and Indians.
Short Answer Questions
- Question: Why did the British shift their capital to New Delhi in 1911?
Answer: The British shifted their capital to New Delhi for strategic reasons, including its central location in India, its proximity to important trade routes, and the ability to control the surrounding areas more efficiently. It also symbolized British power in India.
- Question: What role did the Delhi Durbar play in the British governance in India?
Answer: The Delhi Durbar was an event held by the British to mark the formal imperial declaration of the British monarch as the ruler of India. It served as a symbol of British imperial authority and was an opportunity to showcase British power to the Indian elites.
Long Answer Questions
- Question: Discuss the various factors that led to the development of New Delhi as the British capital.
Answer: The development of New Delhi as the British capital was a result of several factors, including its strategic location, its proximity to central India, and the desire for a city that could serve as a symbol of British power. After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British sought to strengthen their control, and a new capital was considered a means to consolidate their power. The grand architectural designs by Lutyens and Baker, including the construction of wide roads, government buildings, and green spaces, all aimed to establish a distinct colonial identity.
- Question: Explain the impact of the British colonial rule on Indian cities, specifically focusing on the urbanization and infrastructure changes in cities like Delhi and Calcutta.
Answer: British colonial rule brought significant urban changes to Indian cities. Cities like Delhi and Calcutta saw the introduction of modern infrastructure like railways, drainage systems, and formal planning for roads and buildings. However, the development often served the colonial interests, and only parts of these cities were modernized while the majority of the population remained in impoverished conditions. The British capital in Delhi was marked by grand government structures, while Calcutta became a major center for British administration, trade, and education, although it also led to widening social inequality.
These questions and answers can be used for a variety of purposes, from revision to exam preparation. Let me know if you need more!
Additional Questions and Answer – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The process of ________ during British rule led to the destruction of ancient towns like Surat and Masulipatnam.
Answer: de-urbanisation
- The three major port towns developed by the British were Bombay, Calcutta, and ________.
Answer: Madras
- In Calcutta, the British part was called the ________ Town, while the Indian part was known as the Black Town.
Answer: White
- The ________ Municipal Corporation was established in the nineteenth century to manage urban growth in Calcutta.
Answer: Calcutta
- The British shifted their capital from Calcutta to ________ in 1911.
Answer: Delhi
- The earliest architectural remains in Delhi date back to the ________ Period.
Answer: Mauryan
- The ________ Committee was formed in 1913 to oversee the construction of New Delhi.
Answer: Imperial Delhi
- ________ Lutyens was the English town planner who designed Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate.
Answer: Edwin
- The ________ Development Authority was established in 1955 to manage Delhi’s urban planning.
Answer: Delhi
- The first railway line in India ran from Bombay to ________ in 1853.
Answer: Thane
- The ________ Mail connected Howrah to Kalka for British officials’ migration to Shimla.
Answer: Kalka
- The British police system was formalized under the ________ Police Act of 1857.
Answer: Indian
- Indian painter ________ Ravi Varma was influenced by Western painting styles.
Answer: Raja
- The ________ College in Calcutta translated ancient texts and compiled dictionaries in English.
Answer: Fort William
- The introduction of the ________ Press made books accessible to the average person during British rule.
Answer: Printing
- The ________ Durbar of 1877 was held to proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India.
Answer: Delhi
- The ________ Municipal Committee was set up to manage civic amenities in New Delhi.
Answer: New Delhi
- The British introduced railways primarily for ________ advantage, political control, and defense.
Answer: commercial
- The ________ in Chandni Chowk was filled to accommodate increasing traffic in Delhi.
Answer: canal
- The ________ style of architecture was evident in churches built in Madras during British rule.
Answer: English
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What was a significant development during British rule in India?
- a) Urbanisation
- b) De-urbanisation
- c) Industrialisation
- d) Agricultural reform
Answer: b) De-urbanisation
- Which towns became the Presidency towns under British rule?
- a) Surat, Masulipatnam, Srirangapattnam
- b) Bombay, Calcutta, Madras
- c) Delhi, Agra, Lucknow
- d) Kanpur, Bareily, Jhansi
Answer: b) Bombay, Calcutta, Madras
- What was the British part of Calcutta called in the nineteenth century?
- a) Black Town
- b) White Town
- c) Civil Lines
- d) Cantonment
Answer: b) White Town
- Why did the British relocate their capital to Delhi in 1911?
- a) Economic prosperity
- b) Political discontent
- c) Administrative convenience
- d) Cultural significance
Answer: c) Administrative convenience
- What was Delhi known as during the Mahabharata period?
- a) Hastinapur
- b) Indraprastha
- c) Shahjahanabad
- d) Raisina
Answer: b) Indraprastha
- Which committee was formed in 1863 to manage Delhi’s urban development?
- a) Imperial Delhi Committee
- b) Delhi Municipal Committee
- c) Raisina Municipal Committee
- d) Delhi Improvement Trust
Answer: b) Delhi Municipal Committee
- Who designed the architectural layout of New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan?
- a) Charles Wood
- b) Edwin Lutyens
- c) Lord Curzon
- d) William Bentinck
Answer: b) Edwin Lutyens
- When was the first railway line introduced in India?
- a) 1835
- b) 1847
- c) 1853
- d) 1860
Answer: c) 1853
- What was the primary purpose of introducing railways in India?
- a) Social integration
- b) British administration and trade
- c) Indian welfare
- d) Cultural exchange
Answer: b) British administration and trade
- Who organized the British police into a regular force?
- a) Lord Dalhousie
- b) Lord Cornwallis
- c) Lord Canning
- d) Lord Curzon
Answer: b) Lord Cornwallis
- Which Indian painter was influenced by Western painting styles?
- a) Abanindranath Thakur
- b) Jamini Roy
- c) Raja Ravi Varma
- d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: c) Raja Ravi Varma
- Which institution translated ancient Indian texts into English during British rule?
- a) Hindu College
- b) Fort William College
- c) Elphinstone College
- d) Aligarh Muslim University
Answer: b) Fort William College
- What made books accessible to the average person during British rule?
- a) Palm leaf manuscripts
- b) Printing Press
- c) Handwritten scrolls
- d) Oral traditions
Answer: b) Printing Press
- Which literary figure was influenced by English writing patterns?
- a) Sarojini Naidu
- b) Jyotiba Phule
- c) Shri Narayana Guru
- d) Periyar Ramasamy
Answer: a) Sarojini Naidu
- What was a key impact of railways on Indian society?
- a) Increased caste segregation
- b) Awareness against social evils
- c) Decline in trade
- d) Reduced communication
Answer: b) Awareness against social evils
- What was the purpose of the Delhi Durbar of 1877?
- a) To celebrate Indian independence
- b) To proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India
- c) To inaugurate New Delhi
- d) To establish the railway network
Answer: b) To proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India
- Which committee was established in 1937 to improve Delhi’s urban conditions?
- a) Delhi Municipal Committee
- b) Imperial Delhi Committee
- c) Delhi Improvement Trust
- d) New Delhi Municipal Committee
Answer: c) Delhi Improvement Trust
- What was the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi renamed after independence?
- a) India Gate
- b) Rashtrapati Bhawan
- c) Parliament House
- d) Rajpath
Answer: b) Rashtrapati Bhawan
- Why were railways opposed by some Indians?
- a) High ticket prices
- b) Mixed caste seating
- c) Slow travel speed
- d) Lack of routes
Answer: b) Mixed caste seating
- Which city saw the construction of churches resembling English architecture?
- a) Delhi
- b) Calcutta
- c) Madras
- d) Surat
True/False Questions and Answers
- De-urbanisation during British rule led to the destruction of towns like Surat and Masulipatnam.
Answer: True
- The British focused urban development on Delhi, Agra, and Lucknow during the nineteenth century.
Answer: False (They focused on Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.)
- The White Town in Calcutta was inhabited by the Indian population.
Answer: False (It was the British part with sprawling bungalows.)
- The Calcutta Municipal Corporation was established in the nineteenth century.
Answer: True
- Delhi was known as Indraprastha during the Mahabharata period.
Answer: True
- The Imperial Delhi Committee was formed in 1863 to develop New Delhi.
Answer: False (It was formed in 1913.)
- India Gate was built to commemorate soldiers who died in the First World War.
Answer: True
- Railways were introduced in India primarily for the benefit of Indian welfare.
Answer: False (They were for British administration, trade, and defense.)
- Indian Railways is the largest rail network in the world.
Answer: False (It is the largest in Asia, second largest globally after the USA.)
- The Printing Press made books accessible to the average person during British rule.
Answer: True
- The Delhi Development Authority was established in 1947 to manage urban planning.
Answer: False (It was established in 1955.)
- The British police under the Indian Police Act of 1857 were well-paid and honest.
Answer: False (They were given low salaries and were often cruel and corrupt.)
- Raja Ravi Varma was influenced by traditional Indian painting styles only.
Answer: False (He was influenced by Western painting styles.)
- The Kalka Mail was introduced to connect Calcutta to Shimla for British officials.
Answer: True
- The Fort William College in Calcutta glorified British culture in its translations.
Answer: True
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
- Question: Imagine you are a historian studying the urban development of Calcutta under British rule. How would you use British administrative records and Indian accounts to analyze its growth?
Answer: As a historian, I would analyze British administrative records, such as Calcutta Municipal Corporation reports, to examine infrastructure development like railways, roads, and telegraph lines driven by industrial growth in textiles and jute from the 1850s. These records would detail the division into White Town (British) and Black Town (Indian), highlighting disparities in living conditions. Indian accounts, such as vernacular newspapers or memoirs, would reveal local perspectives on population growth, employment opportunities, and congested living in Black Town. By cross-referencing these sources, I would conclude that Calcutta’s urbanisation was driven by British economic interests, creating a dual city structure that fueled political discontent, contributing to the capital’s shift to Delhi in 1911.
- Question: Evaluate the role of railways in transforming Indian society using railway records and nationalist writings.
Answer: Railways, introduced in 1853, transformed Indian society, as evidenced by railway records and nationalist writings. British railway records, detailing lines like Bombay-Thane and Howrah-Kalka, would highlight their commercial, political, and defense purposes, enabling raw material transport and troop movement. Nationalist writings, such as those by Rabindranath Tagore or Sarojini Naidu, would emphasize how railways facilitated inter-regional contact, spreading awareness against social evils like casteism and foreign exploitation. Despite opposition from high-caste Indians over mixed seating, railways fostered unity and nationalist sentiment. By analyzing these sources, I would show that railways, while serving British interests, inadvertently empowered Indians to connect, organize, and resist, shaping the freedom struggle.
- Question: Design a research plan to study the impact of British urban planning in Delhi using colonial architectural plans and local records.
Answer: Research Plan:
– Objective: To analyze the impact of British urban planning in Delhi.
– Sources: Collect colonial architectural plans (e.g., Edwin Lutyens’ designs for Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate) from British archives and local records (e.g., Delhi Municipal Committee reports, vernacular newspapers) from Indian archives.
– Methodology: Examine plans for New Delhi’s layout, including Raisina Hill and Civil Lines, to assess British priorities like administrative grandeur and segregation. Analyze local records for Indian perspectives on infrastructure changes (e.g., piped water, sewerage) and displacement in the Walled City. Cross-reference with Delhi Durbar (1911) records for context.
– Expected Outcome: The study will show how British planning modernized Delhi but prioritized colonial needs, marginalizing locals and fueling nationalist sentiments, influencing post-independence urban policies like the Delhi Development Authority (1955).
- Question: How would you use the development of New Delhi to explain British colonial priorities in India?
Answer: The development of New Delhi, initiated in 1911, reflects British colonial priorities, as seen in architectural plans and administrative records. Plans by Edwin Lutyens for Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate emphasize grandeur to project imperial power, prioritizing British administrative needs over local welfare. Records of the Imperial Delhi Committee (1913) and New Delhi Municipal Committee highlight investments in civic amenities like water supply and sewers for British areas, neglecting Indian neighborhoods. Local accounts, such as petitions, reveal displacement and discontent among Walled City residents. This development underscores British focus on control, prestige, and segregation, which alienated Indians and strengthened nationalist demands for self-governance.
- Question: Assess the impact of the Printing Press on Indian cultural transformation using missionary records and Indian literary works.
Answer: The Printing Press transformed Indian culture, as evidenced by missionary records and Indian literary works. Missionary records, detailing the introduction of printing, show how it made books accessible, shifting from palm leaf manuscripts to printed texts, as seen in Fort William College’s translations. Indian literary works by Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, and Mulk Raj Anand reflect Western influences in style and themes, promoting social progress and political freedom. By analyzing these sources, I would conclude that the Printing Press democratized knowledge, revived Indian heritage through translations, and fostered a nationalist consciousness by spreading reformist ideas, significantly contributing to India’s cultural awakening and freedom struggle.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did the British prioritize the development of port towns like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, and how did this contribute to de-urbanisation elsewhere?
Answer: The British prioritized port towns like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras to serve as economic and administrative hubs for trade and colonial governance, as these ports facilitated the export of raw materials and import of British goods. Investments in infrastructure, like railways and jute mills in Calcutta, boosted their growth, as seen in Calcutta Municipal Corporation records. This focus led to de-urbanisation elsewhere, as traditional trading centers like Surat and Masulipatnam lost relevance due to declining demand for their goods and the collapse of regional kingdoms’ patronage. The resulting migration to port towns, documented in local accounts, impoverished inland cities, highlighting British economic exploitation and reshaping India’s urban landscape, which fueled nationalist discontent.
- Question: Analyze the role of British urban planning in Delhi in reinforcing colonial control and its long-term impact on the city.
Answer: British urban planning in Delhi, particularly after 1911, reinforced colonial control by creating a capital that symbolized imperial dominance. Edwin Lutyens’ designs for New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate, prioritized grandeur and segregation, with Civil Lines and Raisina Hill catering to British elites, as per Imperial Delhi Committee records. Infrastructure like piped water and sewers served British areas, marginalizing the Walled City’s Indian population, as noted in local petitions. This planning strengthened administrative efficiency but alienated locals, fostering nationalist resistance. Long-term, it left Delhi with a dual urban structure, influencing post-independence planning by the Delhi Development Authority (1955) to address inequities and integrate the city, shaping modern Delhi’s identity.
- Question: Evaluate the social and political impacts of railways on Indian society and their role in the nationalist movement.
Answer: Railways, introduced in 1853, had profound social and political impacts on Indian society, inadvertently aiding the nationalist movement. Socially, they connected diverse regions, as seen in the Bombay-Thane and Howrah-Kalka lines, fostering awareness against casteism and foreign exploitation, despite high-caste opposition to mixed seating. Politically, railways enabled rapid communication, allowing nationalists like Tagore and Naidu to organize across regions, as reflected in their writings. British railway records highlight their commercial and defense motives, but the unintended unification of Indians fueled demands for freedom. By breaking regional barriers, railways laid the groundwork for a cohesive nationalist movement, contributing to the Indian National Congress’s formation and the broader struggle for independence.
- Question: How did British influence on Indian art and literature reflect their colonial agenda, and what were its cultural consequences?
Answer: British influence on Indian art and literature, through institutions like Fort William College and Western-style painting, reflected their agenda to assert cultural superiority and entrench colonial rule. Translations and dictionaries glorified British culture, while painters like Raja Ravi Varma adopted Western realism to appeal to British patrons, as seen in his works like Saraswathi. Literary figures like Tagore and Naidu adopted English styles, promoting reformist ideas. Culturally, this led to a hybrid aesthetic, reviving Indian heritage through translations but marginalizing traditional forms. The Printing Press amplified these changes, fostering a cultural awakening that challenged colonial narratives, as nationalists used literature and art to assert Indian identity, contributing to the freedom struggle’s cultural foundation.
- Question: Assess the significance of the Printing Press in shaping India’s cultural and political landscape during British rule.
Answer: The Printing Press was a transformative force in shaping India’s cultural and political landscape during British rule. By making books accessible, as missionary records note, it democratized knowledge, shifting from palm leaf manuscripts to printed texts. Fort William College’s translations revived Indian texts, while literary works by Tagore, Naidu, and Anand adopted Western styles to advocate social and political reform. The press enabled nationalists to spread ideas of freedom and equality, as seen in vernacular newspapers, fostering a cultural awakening. Politically, it unified diverse communities, amplifying the Indian National Congress’s reach. Its significance lies in bridging traditional and modern India, empowering a nationalist consciousness that challenged British rule and shaped modern India’s cultural identity.
Short Questions and Answers
- Question: What was de-urbanisation during British rule?
Answer: The destruction or abandonment of old towns and cities.
- Question: Name the three Presidency towns developed by the British.
Answer: Bombay, Calcutta, Madras.
- Question: What was the Indian part of Calcutta called?
Answer: Black Town.
- Question: Why did the British shift their capital to Delhi in 1911?
Answer: For administrative convenience.
- Question: What was Delhi called during the Mahabharata period?
Answer: Indraprastha.
- Question: Who designed Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi?
Answer: Edwin Lutyens.
- Question: When was the first railway line introduced in India?
Answer: 1853.
- Question: What was the primary purpose of railways in India?
Answer: British administration, trade, and defense.
- Question: Who organized the British police into a regular force?
Answer: Lord Cornwallis.
- Question: Which Indian painter adopted Western painting styles?
Answer: Raja Ravi Varma.
- Question: What institution translated ancient texts into English?
Answer: Fort William College.
- Question: What made books accessible during British rule?
Answer: Printing Press.
- Question: Name one literary figure influenced by English writing.
Answer: Sarojini Naidu.
- Question: What was the purpose of the Delhi Durbar of 1877?
Answer: To proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India.
- Question: When was the Delhi Development Authority established?
Answer: 1955.
- Question: What was the Viceroy’s House renamed after independence?
Answer: Rashtrapati Bhawan.
- Question: Why did some Indians oppose railways?
Answer: Mixed caste seating.
- Question: What was the role of the New Delhi Municipal Committee?
Answer: To manage civic amenities like water and roads.
- Question: What was built to commemorate soldiers of the First World War?
Answer: India Gate.
- Question: Which city had churches built in English architectural style?
Answer: Madras.
Long Questions and Answers
- Question: Discuss the process of de-urbanisation during British rule and its impact on Indian towns and cities, with examples.
Answer: De-urbanisation during British rule involved the destruction or abandonment of ancient towns and cities, driven by the British focus on port towns like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras for trade and administration. Traditional trading centers like Surat, Masulipatnam, and Srirangapattnam declined due to reduced demand for their specialized goods, such as textiles, as British industrial goods flooded markets. The collapse of regional kingdoms, which were administrative hubs, further accelerated de-urbanisation, as seen in the migration from these towns to port cities. This process impoverished inland economies, disrupted traditional urban networks, and created economic disparities, as port towns prospered while others languished. The resulting discontent, evident in nationalist writings, fueled demands for economic self-reliance, influencing post-independence urban planning to revive inland cities.
- Question: Explain the urban development of Calcutta and Delhi under British rule, highlighting their contrasting roles.
Answer: Calcutta and Delhi underwent distinct urban development under British rule, reflecting their roles as economic and administrative capitals, respectively. Calcutta, the British capital until 1911, saw rapid growth from the 1850s due to textile and jute industries, as per Calcutta Municipal Corporation records. Divided into White Town (British, with bungalows) and Black Town (Indian, with shanties), it received infrastructure like railways and telegraph lines, boosting population and employment. Delhi, a historical city (Indraprastha, Mauryan era), became the capital in 1911 for administrative convenience. The Imperial Delhi Committee (1913) and Edwin Lutyens’ designs created New Delhi with Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate, prioritizing British grandeur. While Calcutta was an economic hub, Delhi’s development focused on imperial control, marginalizing locals and fueling nationalist sentiments, shaping their modern identities.
- Question: Analyze the role of railways in shaping British colonial administration and their unintended impact on Indian society.
Answer: Railways, introduced in 1853 with the Bombay-Thane line, were central to British colonial administration, serving commercial, political, and defense purposes. Railway records show they facilitated raw material transport to ports for British industries, troop movement for political control, and defense against rival imperial powers. Lines like the Kalka Mail aided administrative migration to Shimla. However, railways had unintended impacts on Indian society, as nationalist writings reveal. They connected diverse regions, fostering awareness against social evils and foreign exploitation, despite caste-based opposition to mixed seating. This connectivity empowered nationalists to organize, contributing to the Indian National Congress’s formation. Thus, while railways strengthened British control, they inadvertently unified Indians, amplifying the freedom struggle and shaping a national consciousness.
- Question: Evaluate the British influence on Indian art, literature, and architecture, and its role in India’s cultural transformation.
Answer: British influence on Indian art, literature, and architecture, driven by colonial agendas, significantly transformed Indian culture. In art, painters like Raja Ravi Varma adopted Western realism, appealing to British patrons, as seen in works like Sakunthala. In literature, Fort William College’s translations glorified British culture, while writers like Tagore and Naidu adopted English styles to advocate reform, blending Indian and Western themes. Architecturally, English-style churches and stations in Madras and Bombay, like Victoria Terminus, reflected colonial aesthetics, prioritizing British functionality. The Printing Press amplified these changes, making texts accessible and fostering a cultural awakening. While intended to entrench British superiority, these influences revived Indian heritage and nationalist pride, as nationalists used art and literature to assert identity, contributing to the freedom struggle and modern India’s cultural landscape.
- Question: Discuss the significance of British urban planning and infrastructure development in shaping modern Delhi, with a focus on post-independence continuity.
Answer: British urban planning and infrastructure development, particularly after 1911, shaped modern Delhi by establishing it as India’s administrative capital. Edwin Lutyens’ designs for New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate, created a grand, segregated capital, as per Imperial Delhi Committee (1913) records, prioritizing British control. Infrastructure like piped water, sewers, and railways, developed during the Delhi Durbars (1877, 1911), modernized the city but favored British areas, marginalizing the Walled City’s residents, as local accounts note. Post-independence, the Delhi Development Authority (1955) built on this foundation, using master plans to integrate Old and New Delhi, address slum issues, and expand housing, as seen in zonal plans. The British legacy of planned urbanisation provided a framework for modern Delhi’s growth, but its colonial inequities spurred efforts to create a more inclusive capital, defining its contemporary identity.