Paper short abstract:

This paper brings into analysis the transformation of urban spaces in India under the colonial rule, specifically focusing on the city of Patna in eastern India. It shows how the insights into historical decommonisation processes could pave the way for prosperous commons in the future.

Paper long abstract:

This paper brings into analysis the historical transformation of urban spaces in India under the colonial rule. By the end of the nineteenth century, urban development in India began to revolve around commercial and economic activities, shaped significantly by colonial influence and technological advancements like railways. Patna, a city with a rich historical background, emerged as a hub for manufacturing and trade, thanks to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ganga, Son, and Punpun rivers. This advantageous position facilitated international trade and led to the proliferation of the city during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Consequently, many urban structures started to emerge closer to the riverbanks. The British, aware of the strategic importance of Patna and seeking to avoid potential uprisings, established their settlements on the outskirts of the old city, between the old city and the cantonment. This move was partly motivated by the fear of future rebellions, and their experience in other cities suggested that proximity to waterways and gunpowder depots would be advantageous for maintaining control. The construction of railway lines along the Ganga in the 1860s further limited the city's expansion southward. The paper seeks to unravel the historical roots that influenced the development of urban centers and their potential adverse environmental consequences. It also investigates the enduring effects of politically guided urban expansion on riverine ecosystems. The insights into historical decommonisation processes could pave the way for prosperous commons in the future.