
Introduction
DAV Class 8 SST Chapter 13 Solutions help students understand how colonialism and urban change transformed Indian cities during British rule. In this chapter, students learn about the growth of modern cities, changes in administration, transport, and the impact of British policies on urban life. These Class 8 SST Chapter 13 solutions provide simple and accurate answers to help students prepare their lessons easily and improve their understanding of the chapter
A. Tick (✓) the correct option.
- Which one of the following was not a Presidency Town during the British period?
Answer: (a) Surat - The British shifted their capital from Calcutta to which other place in 1911?
Answer: (d) New Delhi - Which one of the following did not happen due to the introduction of railways in India?
Answer: (d) divided the Indian society - Employment opportunities of Calcutta increased many times due to—
Answer: (a) building infrastructure facilities - Which one of the following was not an objective of the New Delhi Municipal Committee set-up by the British?
Answer: (b) To construct more open nallas to drain out water
B. Fill in the blanks
- The great literary figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay were influenced by the English pattern of writing.
- Many huge architectural wonders were built in the port city of Madras by the Britishers.
- Many English painters arrived in India in search of princely patrons.
- Calcutta was the winter capital of the British, whereas their summer capital was Shimla.
- Delhi Development Authority was set-up in 1955 to develop and manage land in Delhi.
C. Match the following
- Relocation of New Delhi as the British capital — (d) 1911
- Formation of Delhi Municipal Committee — (c) 1863
- Delhi Durbar for Queen Victoria — (a) 1877
- Beginning of Indian Railways — (e) 1853
- Restructuring of Delhi Police — (b) 1946
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Why did the British introduce railways in India? Explain any three reasons.
The British introduced railways in India for several reasons:
- Easy transportation of raw materials: Railways helped the British transport raw materials like cotton, jute, and coal from villages to ports quickly.
- Movement of finished goods: British manufactured goods could be distributed to different parts of India easily through railways.
- Administrative and military control: Railways made it easier for the British government to move troops and maintain control over the country.
2. Describe the police organisation of Lord Cornwallis.
Lord Cornwallis reorganised the police system in India to improve law and order. He divided the districts into smaller areas called thanas. Each thana was placed under a police officer called Daroga. The Daroga was responsible for maintaining peace and controlling crime in his area. This new system replaced the old policing arrangements and made administration more organised.
3. Highlight any three major improvements that took place in Delhi before the Delhi Durbar of 1877.
Before the Delhi Durbar of 1877, the British made many improvements in Delhi:
- Railway lines were laid, connecting Delhi with other important cities.
- Roads were improved for better transport and communication.
- Municipal services like water supply, drainage, and sanitation were developed.
These improvements were made to present Delhi as an important imperial city.
4. How did some old trading centres lose their glory and become de-urbanised?
Many old trading centres lost their importance during British rule because the British developed new port cities like Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta. Trade shifted to these cities because they had better ports and transport facilities. Traditional industries in old towns declined due to the import of British machine-made goods. As trade and jobs decreased, people moved away, and these towns became de-urbanised.
5. What type of discrimination did the people of Calcutta experience after it became the British capital in India?
After Calcutta became the British capital, Indians faced social and residential discrimination. The British developed separate areas for themselves with better roads, drainage, water supply, and sanitation. These areas were known as White Towns, while Indians lived in overcrowded Black Towns with poor facilities. This unequal treatment showed the discriminatory attitude of the British towards Indians.
E. Answer the following questions.
1. ‘The British successfully influenced painting, literature and architecture of India.’ Give examples to support this statement.
The British greatly influenced Indian painting, literature, and architecture during the colonial period.
In the field of painting, many English painters came to India and painted portraits of kings, princes, and British officials. Indian artists also adopted the Western style of painting, such as the use of oil colours, perspective, and realistic human figures.
In literature, Indian writers were influenced by English education and writing styles. Great literary figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote novels and stories inspired by English literature. They introduced modern themes and writing patterns in Indian literature.
In architecture, the British built many grand buildings, railway stations, churches, courts, and government offices in Western style. Buildings in cities like Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta reflected European architectural designs. Thus, British rule brought major changes in Indian art, literature, and architecture.
2. Describe any five major changes brought about in Delhi by the British before the development of New Delhi.
Before the development of New Delhi, the British introduced many important changes in Delhi:
- Improved transport: Roads were widened and railway lines were laid to connect Delhi with other cities.
- Municipal administration: The British formed the Delhi Municipal Committee to manage sanitation, water supply, and roads.
- Better law and order: Police administration was reorganised to improve safety in the city.
- Drainage and sanitation: Better drainage systems, clean water supply, and public health facilities were introduced.
- Development of public buildings: The British built administrative buildings, offices, and residential areas to strengthen their control.
These changes modernised Delhi and prepared it for becoming the new capital.
3. Describe the distinct features of the city of Calcutta as developed by the British in India. Inspite of this, why did the British shift their capital to New Delhi?
Calcutta was developed by the British as an important administrative and commercial centre. It had many special features:
- Modern infrastructure: The British built roads, bridges, offices, and drainage systems in Calcutta.
- Port facilities: Being a port city, Calcutta became an important centre of trade and commerce.
- Employment opportunities: Many industries and offices were established, creating jobs for people.
- Administrative centre: It served as the capital of British India for many years.
- European residential areas: The British developed separate well-planned residential colonies for Europeans.
Despite these developments, the British shifted the capital from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1911 because Delhi was located more centrally in India, making administration easier. Delhi also had historical importance as the seat of many former Indian empires. The British wanted to establish political control from a more strategic and symbolic location.
4. ‘Introduction of railways in India proved to be a blessing in disguise.’ Give three arguments in favour of and three against the statement.
The introduction of railways in India had both positive and negative effects.
Arguments in favour:
- Improved transportation:
Railways made travelling faster, cheaper, and easier. People and goods could move from one place to another quickly. - Growth of trade and commerce:
Railways connected villages, towns, and ports, which increased trade and promoted economic growth. - National unity:
Railways helped people from different regions meet each other, which promoted cultural exchange and strengthened national unity.
Arguments against:
- British economic exploitation:
The British used railways mainly to transport raw materials from India to ports for export to Britain. - Destruction of local industries:
Railways helped British manufactured goods reach Indian markets easily, which harmed local handicrafts and industries. - Spread of famines and diseases:
Railways sometimes helped spread epidemics quickly and were also used to export food grains even during famines.
Thus, railways benefited India in many ways, but they were also used by the British to strengthen their control and exploit resources.
5. Describe the developmental activities undertaken to construct and develop New Delhi as the new British Capital.
When the British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, they started many developmental activities to build New Delhi as the new capital.
- Planned construction of the city:
New Delhi was designed as a well-planned city with wide roads, open spaces, and modern buildings. - Government buildings were constructed:
Important buildings like the Viceroy’s House, Secretariat, and Parliament House were built for administration. - Roads and transport facilities were improved:
Broad roads were laid and railway connections were improved to link the new capital with other regions. - Water supply and drainage systems:
Proper underground sewerage, drainage, and water supply systems were introduced to ensure cleanliness. - Residential areas were developed:
Separate residential colonies were developed for British officials with better civic amenities. - Public health facilities were introduced:
Hospitals, sanitation services, and municipal services were established to improve living conditions.
These activities transformed New Delhi into a modern administrative centre and symbolised British power in India.