Colonialism And The City: The Story Of An Imperial Capital, History, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

Presidency Cities in India

• Bombay: Bombay, now known as Mumbai, was one of the Presidency cities recognized during British rule in India. It served as the capital of the Bombay Presidency.


• Madras: Madras, now called Chennai, was another Presidency city. It was the capital of the Madras Presidency.


• Calcutta: Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, was the third Presidency city. It was the capital of the Bengal Presidency.

These three cities, Bombay (Mumbai), Madras (Chennai), and Calcutta (Kolkata), were recognized as Presidency cities during the British rule in India. They served as important administrative and economic centers and had significant cultural and historical importance. The Bombay Presidency covered a large area in western India, the Madras Presidency covered parts of southern India, and the Bengal Presidency covered eastern India.
These cities played a crucial role in the development and governance of their respective presidencies. They were centers of trade, commerce, education, and culture. The British administration had established their presence and authority in these cities, and they became important hubs of colonial power.
Overall, the Presidency cities of Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta held great significance during the British rule in India and contributed to the shaping of the country's history.

Answer:
The capital of British India before Delhi was Calcutta.
Explanation:

• British India refers to the period from 1858 to 1947 when India was under the direct rule of the British Crown.


• During this time, the capital city of British India was initially Calcutta, now known as Kolkata.


• Calcutta served as the capital from 1772 until 1912.


• It was the center of British administration and served as the seat of the Governor-General of India.


• However, in 1912, the capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi to facilitate better administration and governance of the region.


• Delhi became the new capital of British India and continued to be the capital after India gained independence in 1947.

Therefore, the correct answer is D: Calcutta.

Delhi College was built in the year 1792.
Reasoning:
- Delhi College is an educational institution located in Delhi, India.
- It was established in the year 1792.
- The college was founded by Sir David Ochterlony, who served as the British Resident of Delhi.
- The purpose of establishing Delhi College was to provide western education to the youth of Delhi and promote the study of western sciences and literature.
- Initially, the college offered courses in languages such as English, Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit.
- Over the years, the college expanded its curriculum to include subjects like mathematics, natural sciences, and humanities.
- Delhi College played a significant role in the spread of modern education in Delhi during the colonial period.
- Today, the institution is known as Zakir Husain Delhi College and is affiliated with the University of Delhi.
- It continues to uphold its legacy of providing quality education to students.

Answer:
The Viceroy's Palace, located in New Delhi, India, is now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Explanation:
The Viceroy's Palace was constructed during the British rule in India and served as the official residence of the Viceroy of India. After India gained independence in 1947, the palace was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan, which means "President's House" in Hindi.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the answer:
1. Viceroy's Palace: The original name of the palace, which was used during the British colonial era.
2. Rashtrapati Bhavan: The current name of the palace, which means "President's House" in Hindi.
3. Location: The palace is situated in New Delhi, the capital city of India.
4. Historical Significance: The Viceroy's Palace played a crucial role during the British rule as the official residence of the Viceroy of India, who represented the British monarch in India.
5. Post-Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, the palace was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan to reflect its new role as the official residence of the President of India.
6. Architectural Marvel: Rashtrapati Bhavan is known for its magnificent architecture, blending Indian and Western styles, and its vast gardens, which cover an area of 320 acres.
Overall, Rashtrapati Bhavan holds great historical and cultural significance in India as the official residence of the President and stands as a symbol of the country's independence and democratic values.

Grand Durbar to acknowledge Queen Victoria as Empress of India
Background:
In 1877, Viceroy Lytton organized a grand durbar to acknowledge Queen Victoria as the Empress of India. This event was significant in the history of India as it marked the formal proclamation of Queen Victoria's new title and the British Empire's control over India.
Location of the Durbar:
The grand durbar took place in Delhi, which was chosen as the location for this historic event. Delhi was strategically selected due to its historical and cultural significance as the former capital of various Indian dynasties, including the Mughals.
Reason for choosing Delhi:
- Historical Significance: Delhi had been an important center of power and administration for centuries, making it a fitting location for such a significant event.
- Symbolic Importance: By organizing the durbar in Delhi, the British aimed to emphasize their authority and control over the Indian subcontinent, as Delhi had been the seat of power for many Indian rulers.
- Accessibility: Delhi's central location and well-developed infrastructure made it a convenient choice for hosting a grand event of this magnitude.
Significance of the Durbar:
- Acknowledging Queen Victoria as Empress of India: The durbar served as a public declaration of Queen Victoria's new title as the Empress of India, symbolizing the British Empire's dominance over India.
- Imperial Ideology: The event aimed to reinforce the idea of British imperialism and colonial rule in India, establishing a visual spectacle of power and authority.
- Gathering of Dignitaries: The durbar provided an opportunity for the British government to gather Indian princely rulers, local dignitaries, and foreign diplomats to showcase the unity and loyalty of the Indian princely states towards the British Empire.
In conclusion, the grand durbar organized by Viceroy Lytton in 1877 to acknowledge Queen Victoria as the Empress of India took place in Delhi. This event held great historical and symbolic significance, highlighting the British Empire's control over India and reinforcing the concept of British imperialism.

Central Dome of the Viceroy's Palace
The statement that the central dome of the Viceroy's Palace was copied from Mughal architecture is False. Here's why:
Mughal Architecture
- Mughal architecture refers to the architectural style developed by the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent during the 16th and 17th centuries.
- It is characterized by a combination of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural influences.
- Prominent features of Mughal architecture include bulbous domes, minarets, arches, intricate ornamentation, and the use of red sandstone and white marble.
Viceroy's Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan)
- The Viceroy's Palace, now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan, is the official residence of the President of India.
- The palace was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and was constructed between 1912 and 1929.
- Lutyens was influenced by various architectural styles, including classical Greek and Roman, as well as Indo-Saracenic architecture.
- The central dome of the Viceroy's Palace is not a direct copy of any specific Mughal architecture element.
Conclusion
- While the Viceroy's Palace does incorporate elements from various architectural styles, including Indo-Saracenic, it cannot be said that the central dome was copied from Mughal architecture.
- The dome of the Viceroy's Palace is unique and reflects the architectural vision of Sir Edwin Lutyens rather than being a direct copy of any pre-existing Mughal structure.

The building time of New Delhi:
- The statement claims that New Delhi took at least 50 years to build.
- Let's evaluate the truth of this statement.
Evaluation:
- New Delhi refers to the capital city of India.
- It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
- The construction of New Delhi began in 1911 when King George V laid the foundation stone.
- The city was planned as a new capital to replace Calcutta (now Kolkata), which was the capital during British rule.
- The construction of New Delhi involved various architectural projects, including government buildings, residential areas, and infrastructure.
- The most prominent buildings in New Delhi are the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), the Secretariat buildings, and the Parliament House.
- The construction of these buildings and other infrastructure took several years to complete.
- After the initial planning and construction, New Delhi was inaugurated as the capital of India on February 13, 1931.
- Therefore, the construction of New Delhi took around 20 years.
Conclusion:
- The statement is False. New Delhi took around 20 years to build, not 50 years.

Introduction:
After the partition of India in 1947, there was a significant influx of refugees into various cities, including Delhi. This led to a sudden increase in the population of Delhi during that time. However, it is important to analyze whether this statement is true or false based on historical evidence and data.
Evidence to support the statement:
- Delhi's population in 1951 was around 1.4 million, which was a significant increase from the pre-partition population of approximately 900,000.
- The partition resulted in a massive migration of people, particularly from the newly formed Pakistan to India. Many refugees settled in Delhi, leading to a sudden population increase.
Evidence against the statement:
- Delhi's population had been steadily increasing even before partition due to urbanization and migration from other parts of India.
- There were already large communities of refugees from the partition of Bengal and Punjab in 1947 who had settled in Delhi before this sudden influx.
Conclusion:
Based on the evidence, it can be concluded that while the partition did contribute to the increase in Delhi's population, it cannot be solely attributed to the sudden growth. The population growth was a result of both the partition and the pre-existing factors of urbanization and migration. Therefore, the statement "The population of Delhi grew all of a sudden after partition" can be considered partially true.

False
The Mughal aristocracy in the 17th and 18th centuries did not live in large bungalows. Here are the reasons:
1. Architecture:
- The Mughals were known for their grand architectural style, and their residences reflected this. They lived in magnificent palaces and forts, rather than bungalows.
- The most famous example of Mughal architecture is the Taj Mahal, which was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Shah Jahan's wife and is a symbol of their opulence and grandeur.
2. Palaces:
- The Mughal emperors and nobles lived in palaces, which were vast and elaborate structures.
- These palaces were typically built within fortified cities, such as Agra, Delhi, and Lahore, and were surrounded by extensive gardens and courtyards.
3. Red Fort:
- The Red Fort in Delhi, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, served as the main residence for the Mughal emperors.
- It is a massive complex with multiple buildings and courtyards, including the famous Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam, where the emperor held court and conducted official business.
4. Influence of Persian and Islamic Architecture:
- The Mughals drew inspiration from Persian and Islamic architectural traditions, which favored grand palaces and elaborate structures.
- This influence can be seen in the intricate designs, domes, and arches that characterize Mughal architecture.
In conclusion, the Mughal aristocracy in the 17th and 18th centuries did not live in large bungalows. They resided in magnificent palaces and forts, showcasing their opulence and grandeur.

Answer:
Introduction:
At the time of partition, certain colonies in Delhi experienced significant growth. Two such colonies are Lajpat Nagar and Tilak Nagar.
Explanation:
Here's a detailed explanation of why the statement is true:
1. Lajpat Nagar:
- Lajpat Nagar is a residential and commercial neighborhood in South Delhi.
- It was established in the 1950s and 1960s, around the time of partition.
- Many people migrated to Lajpat Nagar from Pakistan and other parts of India during the partition.
- The settlement of these migrants led to the growth and development of the colony.
2. Tilak Nagar:
- Tilak Nagar is another residential area located in West Delhi.
- It was developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, again around the time of partition.
- The area witnessed an influx of people who migrated from Pakistan and other regions affected by the partition.
- The settlement of these migrants contributed to the growth and expansion of Tilak Nagar.
Conclusion:
Based on the information provided, it is true that colonies like Lajpat Nagar and Tilak Nagar grew at the time of partition. The influx of migrants during that period played a significant role in the development and expansion of these colonies.

Deurbanisation of cities like Machlipatnam, Surat and Seringapatam

Deurbanisation refers to the process of decline or reduction in the size, population, and economic activity of a city or urban area. In the case of cities like Machlipatnam, Surat, and Seringapatam, it can be analyzed whether they experienced deurbanisation or not.

Machlipatnam:
- Machlipatnam, also known as Masulipatnam, was an important port city during the medieval period.
- It was a flourishing center of trade and commerce, especially in textiles, spices, and diamonds.
- However, with the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire and the emergence of new trade routes, the city lost its prominence.
- The Dutch and British East India Companies established their presence in the region, leading to the decline of indigenous trade.
- This resulted in a decline in population and economic activity, indicating deurbanisation.
Surat:
- Surat was a major port city and trading center during the Mughal era.
- It had a thriving textile industry and was known for its diamond cutting and polishing.
- However, the city witnessed several devastating events, including famines, floods, and plagues, which led to a decline in its population.
- Additionally, the emergence of new trade routes and ports, such as Bombay (Mumbai), also contributed to the decline of Surat's prominence as a trading hub.
- These factors indicate deurbanisation in Surat.
Seringapatam:
- Seringapatam, located in present-day Karnataka, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore during the reign of Tipu Sultan.
- The city experienced a period of growth and development under Tipu Sultan's rule.
- However, after the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, the city lost its political significance.
- The British dismantled the fortifications of Seringapatam, which led to a decline in its strategic importance.
- This decline in political and strategic significance can be considered a form of deurbanisation.
In conclusion, cities like Machlipatnam, Surat, and Seringapatam witnessed deurbanisation due to various factors such as shifts in trade routes, decline of indigenous industries, devastating events, and changes in political power.