Mention the factors which influenced town planning in the 19 th century?
Answers
Answer:
After the Revolt of 1857, the British nurtured various concerns and worries regarding town-planning which
is evident from the following points:
Constant Fear of Rebellion : Having faced the Revolt of 1857, the whitemen in India had a constant fear of
rebellion from Indians. So they wanted to live in more secure and segregated enclaves. To ensure their
defence, they wanted to live away from the native people from whom they faced the threat of rebellion. So,
they cleared many agricultural fields and pasture land and set up urban spaces called the Civil Lines. The
Englishmen lived in these Civil Lines. They also set up cantonment areas for the stationing of the armed
forces.
Development of White Towns : The British were also concerned about epidemics like cholera and plague
which often spread in India, killing thousands of people. So they demarcated both Black and White areas.
The black areas symbolised only chaos and anarchy. They stood for filth and disease. The British always
feared that disease would spread from the Black to the White areas. So they developed White Towns for
themselves. These towns signified hygiene and cleanliness. The British took stringent administrative
measures to ensure sanitation of these areas. They also regulated the building activity. They also made
arrangements for the underground piped water supply. They cared a lot for sewerage and drainage
systems. In fact, they kept an utmost sanitary vigilance.
Explanation: