How did the concept of urban planning change during the Colonial period?

Urban planning in India underwent significant changes during the colonial period, transforming from indigenous forms of city design to systems that were largely influenced by British ideals, priorities, and administrative needs. The process was not merely a functional response to the rapid growth of cities but also a reflection of the colonial power dynamics. The British introduced urban planning as a tool for controlling and managing urban growth, ensuring the flow of resources, and imposing a Western model of development.

Early Colonial Urban Planning

Before British colonization, Indian cities were shaped by historical and cultural influences. Indian urban settlements often evolved organically, based on the needs of the community, trade routes, religious and social functions, and climatic conditions. Urban planning was characterized by a more decentralized approach, where cities and towns developed without a formal blueprint, and public spaces were designed to accommodate a range of activities. There was a focus on mixed-use spaces, local craftsmanship, and pedestrian-friendly streets. For example, cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur were designed around forts, palaces, and markets with wide lanes, water bodies, and open spaces, while the traditional concept of the ‘bazaar’ (market) defined the fabric of urban life.

The British arrival, however, introduced a shift towards a more regulated and centralized system of planning, influenced by Western ideas about urban space and its functional, economic, and political significance. The initial impact of colonial urban planning was visible in the early 18th century, especially in ports and trading hubs such as Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bombay (now Mumbai), and Madras (now _______ ____ _______ _________ _____ ______ _______.
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