Colonialism and the City
The Story of an Imperial Capital

Q40. How did the partition change the lives and occupation of the refugees?

Ans. The Partition of India in 1947 led to a massive transfer of populations on both sides of the new border. Muslims left Delhi for Pakistan, their place was taken by equally large numbers of Sikh and Hindu refugees from Pakistan. Many of the Muslims who went to Pakistan were artisans, petty traders and labourers. The new migrants coming to Delhi were rural landlords, lawyers, teachers, traders and small shopkeepers. Partition changed their lives, and their occupations. They had to take up new jobs as hawkers, vendors, carpenters and ironsmiths. Many, however, prospered in their new businesses.

Q41. Discuss the historical background of Delhi before the development of New Delhi.

Ans. Delhi has been a capital for more than 1,000 years, although with some gaps. As many as 14 capital cities were founded in a small area of about 60 square miles on the left bank of the river Jamuna. The remains of all other capitals may be seen on a visit to the modern city-state of Delhi. Of these, the most important are the capital cities built between the twelfth and seventeenth centuries. The most splendid capital of all was built by Shah Jahan. Shahjahanabad was begun in 1639 and consisted of a fort-palace complex and the city adjoining it. Lal Qila or the Red Fort, made of red sandstone, contained the palace complex.

Q42. Describe the main features of the colonial bungalow?
Or
Explain the main features of the colonial bungalow.
Or
State the salient features of the colonial bungalow.

Ans. Features of the colonial bungalow

                            i.        The colonial bungalow was quite different from the haveli.

                           ii.        Meant for one nuclear family, it was a large single storeyed structure with a pitched roof, and usually set in one or two acres of open ground.

                          iii.        It had separate living and dining rooms and bedrooms, and a wide veranda running in the front, and sometimes on three sides.

                          iv.        Kitchens, stables and servants’ quarters were in a separate space from the main house. The house was run by dozens of servants.

Q43. Describe the main features of sahjahanabad, built by Shah Jahan.

Ans. The most splendid capital of all was built by Shah Jahan.

                           i.        Shahjahanabad was begun in 1639 and consisted of a fort-palace complex and the city adjoining it. Lal Qila or the Red Fort, made of red sandstone, contained the palace complex.

                          ii.        To its west lay the Walled City with 14 gates. The main streets of Chandni Chowk and Faiz Bazaar were broad enough for royal processions to pass. A canal ran down the centre of Chandni Chowk.

                         iii.        The Jama Masjid was among the largest and grandest mosques in India. There was no place higher than this mosque within the city then.

Q44. How did the Partition affect life in Delhi?

Ans. The Partition of India in 1947 led to a massive transfer of populations on both sides of the new border. As a result, the population of Delhi swelled, the kinds of jobs people did changed, and the culture of the city became different. Most of these migrants were from Punjab. They stayed in camps, schools, military barracks and gardens, hoping to build new homes. Some got the opportunity to occupy residences that had been vacated; others were housed in refugee colonies. New colonies such as Lajpat Nagar and Tilak Nagar came up at this time. Shops and stalls were set up to cater to the demands of the migrants; schools and colleges were also opened. The new migrants coming to Delhi were rural landlords, lawyers, teachers, traders and small shopkeepers. Partition changed their lives, and their occupations. They had to take up new jobs as hawkers, vendors, carpenters and ironsmiths.

Q45. Identify three differences in the city design of New Delhi and Shahjahanabad.

Ans.