Table of Contents
Important Questions for Class 12 History Chapter 12 Colonial Cities: Urbanisation, Planning and Architecture
Important Questions for Class 12 History Chapter 12 – 2 Marks Questions
Question 1.
Name the fortification of East India Company in Madras. Mention any one feature of it. (All India 2016)
or
Mention two features of fort St. George of white town where most of the Europeans lived. (All India 2010)
Answer:
Madras was an important part. The English East India Company built its factories and fortified the city for protection. They built Fort St George in Madras. Two features of fort St. George are as follows:
- Fort St. George was nucleus of the white town.
- Walls and bastions made this a unique enclave. Colour and religion determined who was allowed to live within the fort i.e., only British could live. Indian merchants, artisans and other workers who had economic dealings with European merchants lived outside these forts in settlements of their own.
Question 2.
Point out one supportive and one conservative view on the opportunities provided to the Indian women in colonial cities. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The two views on the opportunities provided to the Indian women in colonial cities are as follows:
- Cities provided new opportunities for women. Middle class women express themselves through medium of journals autobiographies and books. They started working as domestic and factory worker teachers, and theatre and film accesses.
- Conservative feared that education and working of women would alter the basis of the entire social order.
Question 3.
Analyse how did the introduction of the railways by the British prove advantageous for Indian in the late 19th century. (HOTS; Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The introduction of railways in 1853 meant a change in the fortunes of Indian cities. The advantages due to this change were:
- Economic activity gradually shifted away from traditional towns to new cities. Every railway station became a collect depot for raw materials and a distribution point for imported goods. Thus, the activity of the old city decreased and new cities got importance.
- With the expansion of the railway network, railway workshops and railway colonies were established. New railway towns like Jamalpur, Waltair and Bareilly developed.
Question 4.
Explain how the conversion of census data into convenient statistical data by the Britishers in India riddled with ambiguities in late 19th century. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The conversion of census data into convenient statistical data by the Britishers in India riddled with ambiguities in late 19th Century. The reasons behind this were:
- Often Indians refused to cooperate or gave evasive answers to the census officials. People were suspicious of census operation and believed that it would impose new taxes.
- Upper caste people were unwilling to give any information regarding women folk in their family as women were not subjected to public enquiry.
- People often claimed that they were associated with higher status, so their real identities were not revealed.
- The figures of mortality and diseases were difficult to collect as these were not registered.
Question 5.
Name the region where the Lottery Committee initiated town planning during 18th century. Mention any one feature of it. (All India 2015)
Answer:
Lottery Committee initiated town planning in the Calcutta. Main function of the Lottery Committee in the context of colonial Calcutta was that the Lottery Committee built roads and cleared the river bank of encroachments. The Committee removed many huts and displace the labouring poor of the city.
Question 6.
Why was colonial government keen on mapping from the early years? Mention two reasons. Delhi 2014
Answer:
From the early years, the colonial government was keen on mapping due to the following reasons:
- The colonial government felt that good maps were necessary to understand the landscape and know the topography.
- With the useful information through maps, the government can easily control the region.
Question 7.
How did changes occur in building pattern of colonial cities after the revolt of 1857? Cite two examples.
(HOTS; All India 2014)
Answer:
Nature and design of colonial city changed after the revolt of 1857. Because after the revolt of 1857, British attitude in India were shaped by constant fear of rebellion. The two examples of this change were as follows:
- The British felt the need of security for white elites. So, they developed Civil lines, which were secure and segregated enclaves, away from the threat of the natives.
- Another example is cantonments places where Indian troops under European command were stationed were also developed as safe enclaves.
Question 8.
How were the town often defined in opposition to rural areas during pre-colonial times? Give any two point of difference. (HOTS; Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Generally, there was a wide difference between towns and rural areas:
- The towns developed as the representatives of specific forms of economic activities and cultures. But cultivating land, foraging in the forest or rearing animals were the main sources of income for the rural people.
- Another difference between the rural areas and the towns was that the towns and the cities were generally fortified, whereas the village did not have any kind of fortification.
Question 9.
How were the hill stations a distinctive feature of colonial urban development? Give two reasons. (All India 2012)
or
How did Indian hill stations beacamc racial enclave for the European in the 19th century? Explain two reasons. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
British Government initialed the development of hill stations because of the following reasons:
- Hill stations developed as a place of strategic importance for guarding frontiers, billeting of troops and launching operations against enemy.
- Hill stations have cool climate. These areas are free from the disease of tropical regions, so these areas w’ere developed as sanitarium and place for recreation for the European elites.
- As climate of hill stations were similar to climate of Europe, they became an attractive destination for rulers.
Question 10.
Why were the hill stations important for the colonial economy? Give any two reasons. (Delhi 2010)
or
How were hill stations important for the colonial economy? Give one example. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Hill stations were important for the colonial economy because:
- With the setting up of tea and coffee plantations in the adjoining areas, influx of immigrant labour from the plains began which proved beneficial for the colonial economy. For e.g. Tea plantations of Darjeeling. With this cheap labour, British Company made huge profits.
- The introduction of railways made hill stations more accesssible to Indians, upper and middle class Indian started to go there and it helped to improve the overall economic development of the hill stations.
Question 11.
Give any two features of colonial cities after 1850 in India. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Two features of colonial cities after 1850 in India were as follows:
- Institutions were set up to regulate economic activity and demonstrate authority of a new ruler.
- The colonial cities grew as new commercial and administrative centres.
Important Questions for Class 12 History Chapter 12 – 4 Marks Questions
Question 12.
“A careful study of census reveals some fascinating trends of urbanisation in 19th century”. Support the statement with facts. (HOTS; All India 2013)
or
The pace of urbanisation and city development was slow after 1800 CE. Justify this statement with suitable examples. (HOTS)
Answer:
The trends of urbanisation in 19th century can be discussed through the following facts:
Stagnant Growth of Urban Population:
The growth of urban population in proportion to the total population of India was almost stagnant. From 1900 to 1940, the urban population increased from 10 to 13 percent.
Significant Variations in the Patterns of Urban Development: In this period the smaller town had little opportunity to grow economically. But Culcutta, Bombay, Madras grew rapidly and became large cities. Gradually, these three cites became the new commercial and administrative centres.
Clear Difference between Colonical Cities and Traditional Towns: The large cities functioned as collection depots for the export of Indian manufactures like cotton textiles. After the Industrial Revolution in England, these cities became the entry point for British manufactured goods and for the export of Indian raw materials. This nature of economic activities sharply differentiated these colonial cities from traditional towns.
Changes due to the Introduction of Railways: The introduction of railways further deregulated the pace and uniformity of urban development. Economic activities were accelerated in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras after the introduction of Railways. The traditional towns were lagged behind in growth. For e.g. Mirzapur was a famous collection centre of cotton and cotton goods from the Deccan. When a rail link was made to Bombay, this town witnessed a decline. On the other hand, with the expansion of the railway network, railway workshops and railway colonies were established, for e.g. Jamalpur, Waltair and Bareilly.
Important Questions for Class 12 History Chapter 12 – 8 Marks Questions
Question 13.
“The architecture in colonial Bombay represent ideas of imperial power, nationalism and religious glory.”
Support statement with example. (All India 2015)
or
Taking the examples of Bombay (Mumbai), explain how the imperial vision of the British was realised through town planning. (Delhi 2008)
or
Describe the characteristics of the public buildings built in the new classical style with special reference to ‘Town Hall’ of Bombay.
Answer:
With the expansion of economy the architecture or town planning of Bombay changed a lot. These changes are as follows:
1. In the mid-nineteenth century; many new building were constructed in Bombay and the architectural style was European. The British wanted to create a familiar landscape in an alien country by adopting this architectural style. They also thought that European styles symbolised their superiority, authority and power. European style of buildings marked the difference between the buildings of colonial masters and their Indian subject.
2. Gradually, Indians got used to European architecture and accepted these as their own. British in turn adapted some Indian styles e.g. bungalow which was derived from . Bengali hut. Bungalow was used by
government officers in Bombay and all over India. The surrourding veranda kept the bungalow cool in summer. These ensured privacy without daily social contact with Indians.
3. For public bindings, three broad architectural styles were adapted in India. The Town Hall in Bombay was built in new classical style. Elphinstone Circle or Horniman Circle was inspired from models in Italy. Neo-Gothic structure was also adapted for making building like the secretariat, University of Bombay and Eight Court, etc. Victoria Terminus is the most spectacular example of the Neo-gothic style. The Gateway of India, Taj Mahal hotel built by Jamsetji Tata were followed the Indo-Saracenic style.
Taj Mahal hotel became a challenge to the racially exclusive club and hotel maintained by the British.
4. The increasing population due to migration and lack of space in Bombay led to a type of building unique to it. This was known as chawl, the multi-storeyed single-room apartment with long open corridor built around a courtyard. Such buildings housed a large number of families sharing common spaces and this type of building helped in the growth of neighbourhood identity and solidarity.
Question 14.
Explain the changes reflected in the history of urban centres in India during the 18th century with special reference to network of trade. (Delhi 2012)
or
Describe the changes which occurred in the cities during the 18th century.
Answer:
The towns underwent many significant changes during the 18th century which were as follows:
Decline of Old Towns and Emergence of New Towns:
The political and commercial reorganisation, the old towns headed towards decline and new towns were developed in the 18th century. With the decline of the Mughal power, the towns associated with their adminisration also started declining. Delhi and Agra, the Mughal capital cities started losing their political importance.
Increasing Importance of Regional Capitals:
The regional capitals such as Lucknow, Hyderabad, Seringapatam, Pune, Baroda and Tanjore started gaining importance. The traders, administrators, artisans and other people in search of work and patronage began to reside in new capitals leaving the old Mughal centres. Some local notables and officials used new urban settlements like qasbah and ganj. The effects of political decentralisation were uneven. Some areas became strong for economic activity and in some areas political uncertainty led to economic decline.
Changes in Trading Networks:
The changes taking place in the networks of the trade also influenced the history of the urban centres. The European commercial companies had established their settlement at various places of the country during the Mughal period. These were Panaji by the Portuguese, Masulipatnam by the Dutch, Madras by the British and Puducherry by the French. By the end of the eighteenth century, the land based empires in Asia were replaced by the powerful sea-based European empires. The nature of society was regulated by forces of international trade, mercantilism and capitalism.
Decline of Renowned Trading Centres:
A new phase of change came into existence by the middle of the 18 th century .The renowned trading centres like Surat, Masulipatnam and Dhaka which had developed during 17th century, started heading towards decline and trading activities started concentrating at other places.
Impact of Battle of Plassey:
The Battle of Plassey in 1757, established British dominance in Bengal. As a result, there was a significant increase in the territories of the Company. Now many colonial port cities like Madras, Calcutta and Bombay started developing rapidly into new economic capitals.
Soon these cities grew into important centres of colonial power and administration. The people were so much attracted to these cities that these became the biggest cities in India in terms of population of about 1800.
Question 15.
Explain any three broad architectural styles used by the British for the public buildings in the colonial states with examples. (All India 2012)
Answer:
The British used three broad architectural styles for the public buildings in the colonial state. They have been described as under:
Neo-Classical /New-Classical:
It comprised construction of geometrical structures fronted with lofty pillars. It was derived from the Roman style and got popular during the European Renaissance. It was considered appropriate during the British times, since the British imagined that a style that embodied the glory of imperial Rome could now’ be made to express the glory of imperial India. The Mediterranean origins of this architecture was also thought to be suitable for tropical weather. For e.g., the Town Hall of Bombay (1883), Elphinstone Circle, etc.
Neo-Gothic:
The style was characterised by high pitched roofs, pointed arches and detailed decoration. The Gothic originated from Churches built in Northen Europe during the medieval period.
The neo-gothic style revived in the mid-nineteenth century in England. This was the time when the government in Bombay was building its infrastructure and this style was adopted for Bombay. The most spectacular example of the neo-gothic style is the Victoria Terminus, the station and headquarters of the great Indian Peninsular Railway Company. The University Hall, the University Library, Clock Tower are other examples of this style of building.
Indo-Saracenic:
It was a fusion of Indian and the European style which evolved towards the beginning of the 20th century.
The inspiration for this style was medievel buildings in India with their domes, chhatris, jalis and arches. The Indo-Saracenic style became a medium of expression by the British that they were the legitimate rulers of India. For e.g. the Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Hotel built by industrialist Jamsetji Tata.
Question 16.
Explain why hill stations were a distinctive feature of colonial urban development. (Delhi 2008)
or
Describe the aims of establishing hill stations and cantonments in India by the British.
Answer:
Hill stations were a distinctive feature of the colonial urban development because of the following reasons:
Connection with the Needs of the British Army:
The founding and setting of hill stations was initially connected with the needs of the British army. For instance,
Simla, Mount Abu and Darjeeling were established for special purposes. Hill stations were made as cantonments for the army.
Strategic Places for Harbouring Troops:
Hill stations became the strategic places Un-accommodating troops, guarding frontiers and launching campaigns against enemy rulers.
Pleasant Climate:
The temperate and cool . climate of the Indian hills was seen as an advantage and these were free from epidemics like cholera and malaria.
Served as Sanitariums:
The hill stations where developed as sanitariums as the places where soldiers could be sent for rest and recovery from illness.
Attractive Destinations for the British:
Since the hill stations experienced the same kind of climate as of Europe, they became an attractive destination for the new rulers. It became practice of the Viceroys to move to hill stations during summer months.
Reflected Settlements Native to the British:
The hill stations w’ere characterised by settlements that were reminiscent of homes of the British and other Europeans.The buildings were deliberately built in the European style.
Linked to Diverse Groups:
The introduction of railways made the hill stations more accessible to a wide range of people including upper and middle class Indians like maharajas, lawyers and merchants.
Economic Significance:
The hill stations were important for the colonial economy in the sense that they were the important centres for tea and coffee plantations.
Important Questions for Class 12 History Chapter 12 Source Based Question
Question 17.
A rural city:
Read this excerpt on Madras from the Imperial Gazetteer, 1908:
…the better European residences are built in the midst of compounds which almost attain the dignity of parks, and rice-fields frequently wind in and out between these in almost rural fashion. Even in the most thickly peopled native quarters such as Black Town and Triplicane, there is little of the crowding found in many other towns…
- Where and why were better European residences built?
- Explain the condition of black towns.
- State the meaning of gradual urbanisation of Madras.
Answer:
1. The better European residences were built in the midst of compounds which almost like attain the dignity of parks. These were rice field in almost rural fashion.
2. Indian merchants, artisans and other workers who had economic dealing with Europeans merchants lived outside the St. George fort in settlements known as “Black Town”. These towns laid out in straight lines. Later a new Black Town developed and resembled like a traditional Indian town with living quarters built around its own temple and bazaars.
3. The gradual urbanisation of Madras meant that the areas between the villages were brought within the city. As a result, Madras had a semi-rural air about it.
Important Questions for Class 12 History Chapter 12 Value Based Questions
Question 18.
- “The colonical cities provided new opportunities for women during 19th century.” Give two examples.
- Explain any two values which encouraged women for their empowerment. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
1. The colonial cities provided opportunities for women and these were evident by following examples:
- Women from middle class sought to express themselves through medium of journals, autobiographies and books.
- Over the period of time women became more visible in public as they entered new profession in the city as domestic and factory worker, teacher and theatre actress.
2. women gained confidence and inspiration to do something for her own self. They developed social awareness. These confidence and awareness of women encouraged them for empowerment.
Question 20.
- Explain the importance of census data for the holistic development of a country.
- When was the first All India Census attempted? Mention two of its early aims. (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
1. The first attempt of All India Census was made in 1872. Thereafter, decennial census became a regular feature. Undoubtedly census data are of immense significance for the holistic development of a country. The census data are essential for the all round development and plannings.
2. The first attempt of All India Census was made in 1872. Its two early aims were:
- To study urbanisation in India.
- To know about the total number of white and non-white people living in various towns.
