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The Histories of Indigenous Urbanization in Indian Cities

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Indian Cities: Histories of Indigenous Urbanization

by Kent Blansett

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Indigenous Urbanization

The earliest evidence of indigenous urbanization in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent from around 2600 to 1900 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, and its cities were characterized by their large size, grid-like planning, and sophisticated water management systems.

A Map Of The Indus Valley Civilization Indian Cities: Histories Of Indigenous Urbanization

The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization around 1900 BCE led to a period of decline in urban development in India. However, indigenous peoples continued to live in urban centers, and they played a role in the development of new cities and towns.

Medieval Indigenous Urbanization

During the medieval period, indigenous peoples played a significant role in the development of urban centers in India. The Cholas, a Tamil dynasty that ruled over much of southern India from the 9th to the 13th centuries CE, were responsible for the development of several important cities, including Thanjavur and Madurai.

A Map Of The Chola Dynasty Indian Cities: Histories Of Indigenous Urbanization — The Cholas were responsible for the development of several important cities in southern India.

The Cholas were also responsible for the development of a sophisticated system of water management, which allowed them to build large and prosperous cities in a region that is prone to drought.

Colonial Indigenous Urbanization

The arrival of European colonizers in India in the 16th century had a significant impact on indigenous urbanization. The British colonial government established new cities and towns, and they often displaced indigenous peoples from their traditional lands.

A Map Of British Colonialism In India Indian Cities: Histories Of Indigenous Urbanization

Indigenous peoples also faced discrimination and segregation in colonial cities. They were often forced to live in slums and informal settlements, and they were denied access to basic services such as education and healthcare.

Post-Colonial Indigenous Urbanization

After India gained independence in 1947, indigenous peoples continued to face challenges in urban areas. However, they also made significant progress in improving their living conditions and securing their rights.

A Map Of India After Independence Indian Cities: Histories Of Indigenous Urbanization — After India gained independence in 1947, indigenous peoples continued to face challenges in urban areas, but they also made significant progress in improving their living conditions and securing their rights.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of indigenous urban heritage. Indigenous peoples have been working to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage in cities, and they have also been involved in urban planning and development processes.

Indigenous peoples have played a significant role in shaping the urban landscape of Indian cities. From the ancient cities of the Indus Valley Civilization to the modern metropolises of today, indigenous peoples have been present in urban centers and have contributed to their development. Despite the challenges they have faced, indigenous peoples have persisted in urban areas, and they continue to make important contributions to their communities and to Indian society as a whole.

References

Allchin, B., & Allchin, F. (1982). The Rise of Civilization in India and Pakistan. Cambridge University Press.
Bose, S. (1991). The Urban History of India. Oxford University Press.
Chatterjee, P. (1993). The Nation and Its Fragments: Colonial and Postcolonial Histories. Princeton University Press.
Dirks, N. B. (2001). Colonialism and Culture. University of Michigan Press.
Guha, R. (1997). Dominance Without Hegemony: History and Power in Colonial India. Harvard University Press.
Prakash, G. (1999). Another Reason: Science and the Imagination of Modern India. Princeton University Press.

Indian Cities: Histories of Indigenous Urbanization

by Kent Blansett

4.6 out of 5