Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The concept of a ‘National Settlement System’ refers to the spatial arrangement of population and economic activities across a country. In colonial India, this system was fundamentally reshaped by British policies, moving away from the pre-colonial, largely agrarian, settlement patterns. Post-independence, India witnessed a significant surge in urbanization, driven by a complex interplay of factors including economic development, migration, and social changes. Understanding the colonial legacy and subsequent developments is crucial to comprehending the current urban landscape of India.
Emergence of National Settlement System in Colonial India
Prior to British rule, India exhibited a diverse settlement pattern characterized by rural dominance, with cities serving primarily as administrative or religious centers. The colonial period witnessed a dramatic shift in this system, driven by the following:
- Land Revenue Systems: The introduction of systems like the Permanent Settlement (1793), Ryotwari System, and Mahalwari System led to the commercialization of agriculture and the displacement of traditional agricultural practices. This resulted in the emergence of new landholding patterns and a concentration of land ownership.
- Development of Railways: The construction of railways, starting in 1853, facilitated the transportation of raw materials to ports and finished goods to markets. This led to the growth of port cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, and the development of railway junctions as new urban centers.
- Administrative Centers: The establishment of British administrative centers like Delhi, Simla, and Calcutta led to their growth as major cities. These centers attracted population and investment, becoming hubs of political and economic activity.
- Commercialization of Agriculture: The focus on cash crops like indigo, tea, and cotton led to the development of plantation economies and the growth of associated towns and cities.
- De-industrialization: The decline of traditional Indian industries, due to competition from British manufactured goods, led to unemployment and migration to urban areas in search of livelihood.
This colonial settlement system was inherently unequal, with a clear distinction between the ‘core’ (British controlled areas) and the ‘periphery’ (rest of India). It laid the foundation for the spatial disparities that continue to characterize India today.
Factors Contributing to Urbanization in Post-Independence Period
Post-independence India has experienced rapid urbanization, driven by a multitude of factors, which can be broadly categorized as ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors:
Push Factors (Rural to Urban Migration)
- Landlessness and Poverty: Increasing landlessness due to fragmentation of holdings, Green Revolution-induced displacement, and rural poverty have pushed people to seek employment in urban areas.
- Lack of Employment Opportunities: Limited employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, coupled with seasonal unemployment, have forced rural populations to migrate to cities.
- Social Factors: Social factors like caste discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and limited social mobility in rural areas have also contributed to migration.
- Natural Disasters: Frequent natural disasters like floods, droughts, and cyclones have displaced rural populations, leading to migration to urban centers.
Pull Factors (Attraction to Urban Areas)
- Employment Opportunities: Urban areas offer a wider range of employment opportunities in the formal and informal sectors, attracting migrants from rural areas.
- Education and Healthcare: Better access to education and healthcare facilities in urban areas is a major pull factor.
- Infrastructure and Amenities: Urban areas generally have better infrastructure, including transportation, communication, and sanitation facilities.
- Industrialization and Economic Growth: The growth of industries and the service sector in urban areas have created new employment opportunities and attracted investment.
- Government Policies: Policies promoting industrialization and urbanization, such as the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), have further accelerated the process.
According to the Census of India 2011, 31.16% of India’s population resides in urban areas, a significant increase from 17.29% in 1951. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating that nearly 40% of the population will be urban by 2030.
| Factor | Colonial Period | Post-Independence Period |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | Commercialization of agriculture, De-industrialization, Railway development | Industrialization, Economic growth, SEZs |
| Administrative | Establishment of administrative centers | Government policies promoting urbanization |
| Social | Limited social mobility | Better access to education and healthcare |
Conclusion
The National Settlement System in India has undergone a profound transformation, first under colonial rule and then in the post-independence era. The colonial legacy of spatial inequalities continues to shape the urban landscape, while post-independence urbanization has been driven by a complex interplay of push and pull factors. Addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization, such as infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, and social inequalities, is crucial for ensuring sustainable and inclusive development. Future planning must focus on creating balanced regional development and strengthening rural economies to mitigate the pressures of migration.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.