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.
Rivers are Ravi, Satluj, Ganga, Yamuna, Beas, Kosi, Narmada, Godavari, Krishana, and Kaveri. Major Hill ranges are the Himalayas, Aravali, Vindhyachal, Satpura, Karakoram.
What were the concerns that influenced town planning in the nineteenth century?
What were the new kinds of public places that emerged in the colonial city? What functions did they serve?
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?
How were urban centres transformed during the eighteenth century?
How did prominent Indian merchants establish themselves in the colonial city?
To what extent were social relations transformed in the new cities?
Examine how concerns of defence and health gave shape to Calcutta.
What are the different colonial architectural styles which can be seen in Bombay city?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
How did Mahatma Gandhi seek to identify with the common people?
What did the Muslim League demand through its resolution of 1940?
What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution?
How did zamindars manage to retain control over their zamindaris?
Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
How was Mahatma Gandhi perceived by the peasants?
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
How was the term minority defined by different groups?
On an outline map of the subcontinent, mark out the areas described in this chapter. Find out whether there were other areas where the Permanent Settlement and the ryotwari system were prevalent and plot these on the map as well.
How did women experience Partition?
Discuss the extent to which religious beliefs shaped the events of 1857.
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
Why were many zamindaris auctioned after the Permanent Settlement?
How did Mahatma Gandhi seek to identify with the common people?
In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals?
What historical forces shaped the vision of the Constitution?
Discuss the different arguments made in favour of protection of the oppressed groups.
How was non-cooperation a form of protest?