what was white town and black town? Related: Chapter Notes - Colonial...
(i) White towns were mainly for whites i.e. for European people to live in and Black towns were for the black people mainly Indians and or other Asian African if any.
(ii) The British believed in colour and racial discrimination and therefore they constructed different town areas for people of White and Black racial people during the time of the English East India Company.
what was white town and black town? Related: Chapter Notes - Colonial...
White Town and Black Town were distinct areas within colonial cities during the British rule in India. These areas were segregated based on racial and social divisions, reflecting the hierarchical structure of colonial society.
**1. White Town:**
- White Town referred to the area where the British colonizers and other Europeans resided.
- It was characterized by well-planned and spacious layouts with wide roads, grand buildings, and architectural styles reminiscent of European cities.
- The infrastructure in White Town was superior, with amenities such as piped water supply, sanitation, and street lighting.
- White Town served as the administrative and commercial center of the city, housing government offices, banks, courts, and trading establishments.
- It was also home to the British elite, including colonial officials, military personnel, and wealthy European merchants.
**2. Black Town:**
- Black Town, on the other hand, was the area where the indigenous Indian population primarily lived.
- Black Town was densely populated with narrow and congested streets, lack of proper sanitation, and inadequate infrastructure.
- The houses in Black Town were typically small, made of mud, thatch, or brick, reflecting the economic and social conditions of the Indian population.
- The area was characterized by bustling markets, artisan workshops, and traditional bazaars.
- Black Town was predominantly inhabited by Indian traders, artisans, laborers, and low-income groups.
- It was often neglected in terms of urban planning, public amenities, and civic infrastructure.
**Significance and Impact:**
- The segregation of White Town and Black Town reflected the racial and social hierarchies prevalent during the colonial period.
- The purpose of this division was to assert colonial dominance and maintain social control over the Indian population.
- The spatial division also facilitated the implementation of colonial policies, such as segregation, surveillance, and control over the Indian population.
- The stark contrast between White Town and Black Town highlighted the economic disparities and power differentials between the British rulers and the Indian subjects.
- The legacy of this spatial division can still be observed in many Indian cities, where the remnants of colonial architecture and urban planning continue to shape the landscape.