2.2.1.3. Modern Towns

The British and other Europeans have developed a number of towns in India. Starting their foothold on coastal locations, they first developed some trading ports such as Surat, Daman, Goa, Pondicherry, etc. The British later consolidated their hold around three principal nodes – Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), and Kolkata (Calcutta) – and built them in the British style.

This chunk explains how modern towns in India originated primarily during the colonial period. The British established several towns on the coast as trading ports for commerce. The major cities that became significant urban centers were Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, where British architectural styles and urban planning methods were introduced.

Imagine setting up a new business in a city today. Just like modern entrepreneurs analyze where to establish their operations for better access to customers and resources, the British chose coastal areas to build towns that could efficiently facilitate trade with other countries.

The census of India, 1991 defines urban settlements as 'All places which have municipality, corporation, cantonment board or notified town area committee and have a minimum population of 5000 persons, at least 75 per cent of male workers are engaged in non-agriculture pursuits and a density of population of at least 400 persons per square kilometer are urban.'

This section provides a formal definition of what constitutes an urban settlement in India as per the 1991 census. These criteria help in classifying towns by considering factors such as population size, economic activity, and population density. This definition ensures that cities are not just labeled urban based on size but also functional characteristics.

Think of it like making a club with strict entry rules. Just as some clubs don’t let in anyone unless they meet specific criteria (like age and interests), urban settlements are defined by clear benchmarks that describe what makes them a town.

Towns flourished since prehistoric times in India. Even at the time of the Indus valley civilization, towns like Harappa and Mohanjodaro were in existence. The following period witnessed the evolution of towns, which continued with periodic ups and downs until the arrival of Europeans in India in the eighteenth century.

This chunk traces the historical development of towns in India, starting from ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley, which already showcased complex urban setups. This evolution indicates a continually shifting urban landscape influenced by various socio-economic factors, including the entry of European powers and subsequent urbanization patterns.

Consider a river that changes its course over time due to natural factors. Similarly, towns in India have evolved due to many changes in society, economy, and politics, adapting to new influences throughout history.

Towns based on modern industries also evolved after 1850. Jamshedpur can be cited as an example. Apart from their role as central or nodal places, many towns and cities perform specialised services.

This chunk highlights how towns began to be categorized not just by their size or history but also by their functional roles in society, particularly post-1850 with the emergence of modern industries. Cities like Jamshedpur became known for specific industrial activities, indicating a broader trend of urban specialization.

Consider how different neighborhoods in a big city develop unique specializations – like a tech hub with offices for software companies, while another area focuses on arts and culture – urban centers adapt to serve specific economic needs.

On the basis of dominant or specialised functions, Indian cities and towns can be broadly classified as Administrative towns and cities, Industrial towns, Transport Cities, Commercial towns, Mining towns, Educational towns, Religious and cultural towns, and Tourist towns.

This chunk explains various types of urban settlements in India based on their primary functions. For instance, administrative towns serve as government hubs, industrial towns focus on manufacturing, while commercial towns concentrate on trade. This classification underscores how towns can serve multiple purposes, catering to different sectors of the economy.

Think of a Swiss army knife that has multiple tools for different tasks. Similarly, cities serve various functions—some are designed for governance while others are created to drive industry, much like how different tools are used for specific needs.

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