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History - Themes in Indian History - III
Colonial Cities
Examine how concerns of defence and health gave shape to Calcutta.

Examine how concerns of defence and heal | Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - III Chapter Colonial Cities, Colonial Cities NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History - Themes in Indian History - III - Chapter Colonial Cities. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 4: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 4:

Examine how concerns of defence and health gave shape to Calcutta.

Answer:

Sirajudaula, the Nawab of Bengal in 1756, sacked the small fort from Britisher. In this fort the British traders had built to house their goods. Consequently, when Sirajudaula was defeated in the Battle of Plassey, the British built a new fort, Fort William which could not be easily attacked. Around this a vast open space was left. This open space ‘ was called the Maidan or garermath. This was done for security reasons, because there would be no obstructions to a straight time of fire from the Fort against an advancing enemy army. Soon the British began to move out of the Fort. They built residences along the periphery of the Maidan. This indicates that how the English Settlement in Calcutta began to take shape. The vast open space around the Fort William became the significant town planning measure in Calcutta (Now Kolkata). Lord Wellesley was more concerned about the conditions that existed in the cities. Cities were overcrowded, and had no sanitation facilities. He issued an administrative order in 1803 on the need for town planning and set up various committees for this purpose open places in the city would make the city healthier. As a result of this, many bazaars, ghats, burial ground and tanneries were cleared or removed. After Wellesley’s departure, the Lottery Committee carried on with the work of town planning in Calcutta.

Other Questions of Chapter Colonial Cities

What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?

What are the different colonial architectural styles which can be seen in Bombay city?

How did prominent Indian merchants establish themselves in the colonial city?

What were the concerns that influenced town planning in the nineteenth century?

How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?

To what extent were social relations transformed in the new cities?

To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?

What were the new kinds of public places that emerged in the colonial city? What functions did they serve?

On an outline map of India, trace the major rivers and hill ranges. Plot ten cities mentionedin the chapter, including Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, and prepare a brief note on why the importance of any two cities that you have marked (one colonial and one pre-colonial) changed in the nineteenth century.

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Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Colonial Cities.
Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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