Mhow is a c antonment in the Indore District in M adhya Pradesh, India. It is located 23 kilometres (14 mi) south of Indore city towards M umbai on the Mumbai-Agra Road. The town was renamed as D r Ambedkar Nagar in 2003, by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.[1]
CONTENTS ●
1 History
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2 Etymology
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3 Demography
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4 The Indian Army and Mhow ○
4.1 The Infantry School
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4.2 Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE)
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4.3 The Army War College
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5 Government and politics
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6 Schools and colleges
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7 Others
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8 Banks nn Mhow
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9 Picnic spots near Mhow
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10 The Temple of Janapav and the rivers Chambal and Gambhir
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11 The demand for a broad gauge railway line
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12 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mhow
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13 Renaming Mhow after Ambedkar and the controversy
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14 References to Mhow in the written form.
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15 Mhow and Bollywood
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16 Sports and eminent sportspersons associated with Mhow
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17 Human rights activists and road safety and transport specialist of Mhow
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18 Next stop
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19 See also
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20 References
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21 External links
HISTORY This cantonment town was founded in 1818 by John Malcolm as a result of the Treaty of Mandsaur between the English and the 'Holkars who were the M aratha M aharajas of Indore. John Malcolm's forces had defeated the H olkars of the Maratha Confederacy at the Battle of Mahidpur in 1818. It was after this battle that the capital of the Holkars shifted from the town of Maheshwar on the banks of the Narmada to Indore. Mhow used to be the headquarters of the 5th (Mhow) Division of the Southern Command during the B ritish Raj. Today this small town is associated with the I ndian Army and with B . R. Ambedkar, a political leader who was born here. Mhow was a meter gauge railway district headquarter during the British Raj and even after 1947.[2] The irony is that Mhow still has no broad gauge railway line. According to H indu religious texts, Janapav Kuti near Mhow is said to be the birthplace of Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu.
ETYMOLOGY There is total lack of unanimity on how Mhow got its name. One possible source of the name might be the Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) tree, which grows in profusion in the forests around Mhow. Some articles in popular literature state that MHOW stands for Mi litary Headquarters Of Wa r. However, this is a backronym, and there is no
proof to support the theory that the name of the village comes from the acronym. The village near Mhow was called Mhow Gaon in the pre-British era, when English was not used in India. The Cantonment which came up in 1818 came to be known as Mhow Cantt after the name of this village. S ir John Malcolm spelt the name of this town as MOW in his writings. The 1918 edition of Encyclopædia Britannica also mentions 'MAU'. However, the Cantonment was referred to by British officers as Mhow at least as early as the end of 1823 (letter from Lt Edward Squibb to his father in London).
DEMOGRAPHY As of 2001 India c ensus,[3] Mhow had a population of 85,023. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Mhow has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 65%. In, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. H induism, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism are four major religions in Mhow with 47.0%, 45.0%, 5.0% and 2% of the population following them. And others are 1.0% As its 52.5% of Mhow's population is in the 15–59 years age category. Around 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
THE INDIAN ARMY AND MHOW The Army has been here since 1818. Up until World War II, Mhow was the headquarters of the 5th (Mhow) Division of the Southern Army. According to local legend W inston Churchill also spent a few months in Mhow when he was a subaltern serving with his regiment in India (a local shop still boasts of him as its customer). The house on the Mall where he is supposed to have lived has gradually crumbled due to neglect and age. It has been pulled down and a jogger's park has been built on its grounds by the Infantry School, Mhow.
Mhow houses three premier training institutions of the Indian Army -The Infantry School,The M ilitary College of Telecommunication Engineering and The Army War College. In addition to these institutes, MHOW is where Army Training Command or ARTRAC was born. ARTRAC was based in Mhow from 1991 to 1994, before it shifted to Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). At that time its General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) was Lt. General Shankar Roy Chowdhary who went on to become the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Its first GOC-in-C was Lt. General A.S. Kalkat who had earlier commanded the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. ARTRAC was housed in the campus of the present Army School Mhow. This was used as All Arms Wing of MCTE for many decades. It was originally built and used as the BMH (British Military Hospital).
THE INFANTRY SCHOOL The Infantry School is the alma mater of the Indian Infantry which is the spearhead of the I ndian Army. It conducts courses related to the infantry for men and officers of the various regiments of the Indian Army. The Commando Wing of this school is in B elgaum, Karnataka. The Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) which has produced many medal winning shooters for the Army and for India is a part of The Infantry School Mhow. Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw was the first Indian Commandant of this school in the 1950s when he was a Brigadier. Present Commandant: Lt Gen AS Nandal,UYSM,AVSM, SM
MILITARY COLLEGE OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING (MCTE)
The first training institution in Mhow, MCTE was known as the School of Signals till 1967. It is the alma mater of the Corps of Signals. MCTE conducts telecommunications and information technology courses for officers, JCOS, NCOs and soldiers of the Indian Army. Officers and men from other countries also attend courses there. It also trains gentlemen cadets for a bachelor's degree in engineering at the Cadets Training Wing (CTW). On completion of their training, most of the cadets get commissioned into the Indian Army's Corps of Signals; however, some are also commissioned into other arms. Present Commandant: Lt Gen Rajesh Pant,AVSM,VSM
THE ARMY WAR COLLEGE The Army War College was known as the College of Combat till a few years ago. It conducts three courses—the Junior Command (JC) course, the Senior Command (SC) course and the Higher Command (HC) course. The former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General K. Sundarji was the Commandant of the College of Combat during the early eighties. Present Commandant: Lt Gen Sandeep Singh, AVSM, SM, VSM.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Mhow has one seat in the State Legislative Assembly (the Vidhan Sabha). The first elected MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) was the late Mr.R.C.Jall (Indian National Congress)who belonged to the Parsi community. Since 2008 the MLA from Mhow is Mr. Kailash Vijayvargiya of the BJP who is also the State Industries Minister in the cabinet of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Previous MLA: Antar Singh Darbar of the Indian National Congress.
Until 2009 Mhow Tehsil was part of the Indore Lok Sabha constituency. Under the delimitation exercise carried out all over the nation Mhow is now in the D har Parliamentary constituency though it continues to be in Indore district for administrative purposes. Present Member of Parliament for Mhow is the Dhar MP Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi of the Indian National Congress.
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES MPBSE schools
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Govt. Higher Secondary School, Hari Phatak formerly K.B.E.P. Memorial High School
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Government Girls Higher Secondary School Hari Phatak MHOW
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Cantonment Board Girls Higher Secondary School
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Shree Academy,Kodariya
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New Wisdom Academy Higher Secondary School.
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Desire Academy.
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Unique Higher Secondary School
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New Era Public School
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Vaishnav Bal Mandir High School.
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J.G.Gopinath Higher Secondary School
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Jain Public School
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Umiya Patidar Samaj Higher Secondary School
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Maheswari Vidhyalaya
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Arya Samaj Uchchatar Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Luniyapura.
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Utkarssh Public school, Kodariya
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Gyanodaya School, Peat Road
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Saint Abu Bakar High School,Railway Mall Godam Mhow
CBSE schools
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Kendriya Vidyalaya Mhow (The first CBSE School in Mhow)
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Army Public School, Mhow
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Shree Academy,Kodariya
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Shri Sai Academy Mhow
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Colonel's Academy
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Wishwood Cottage School
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Little Angel's Higher Secondary School
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Rajeshwar Vidyalaya formerly Sacred Heart High School (The oldest school of Mhow).
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St Mary's Higher Secondary School.
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Yashwant Public School, Mhowgaon, Mhow
Colleges
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R.C. Jall Law College.
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Bherulal Patidar Govt Post Graduate Degree College, Mhow.
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Colonel Fateh Jang College of Education.
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Vikrant College of Engineering, Rasalpura.
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S D Bansal College of Engineering, Old AB Road, Umaria, Mhow.
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K C Bansal Technical Academy, Umaria,Mhow.
National level institutes (in chronological order of establishment)
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College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Mhow affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV).
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Babasaheb Ambedkar National Institute Of Social Sciences, BANISS, Dongar Gaon, Mhow Tehsil.
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Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore), Pigdamber, Mhow Tehsil.
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Indian Institute of Technology, Indore (IIT Indore), Simrol, Mhow Tehsil.
Distance learning
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IGNOU (New Dehli) study center
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AISECT-IGNOU study center
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Eth computer research lab,KODARIYA, MHOW
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Sarva Computer Sakhsharta Mission Gujarkheda Mhow
OTHERS ●
Global Technical School
ABOUT
BANKS NN MHOW ●
State Bank of India(SBI) two branches - Town Hall Branch and Plowden Road Branch
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Syndicate Bank Mhow
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Canara Bank Mhow
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Bank of Maharashtra Mhow
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Indore Premier Co-Operative Bank Mhow
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O.B.C. Bank, Mhow
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Corporation Bank,Kodariya, MHOW
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Punjab National Bank
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Central Bank of India
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Bank of Baroda
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Bank of India
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IDBI Bank
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ICICI Bank
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Axis Bank
PICNIC SPOTS NEAR MHOW ●
Patal Pani Water FallAbout
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Mehndi Kund Water Fall
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Choral Dam
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Nakheri Dam
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Berchha lake
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Tinchha Water Fall
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Jaana Paav
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Jaam Gate
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Bamniya kund Water Fall
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Sitla mata Water Fall
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Kala kund
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Choral Rivar
THE TEMPLE OF JANAPAV AND THE RIVERS CHAMBAL AND GAMBHIR The river Chambal which flows through the dacoit infested areas of Northern India is said to begin at the hill of Janapav which is in a village named Kuti,around 15 km from Mhow town. On top of the hill of Janapav is a temple and ashram. According to local legend this used to be the ashram of J amadagni, the father of Parashurama (an A vatar or reincarnation of Vishnu, the Hindu God of sustenance). A mela, or religious fair, is held at Kuti every year on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima - the first full moon after Diwali, which is also celebrated as Guru Nanak's birthday by the Sikh community - and people from villages far and near come to pray and pay their obeisance. The next day the same mela shifts to the Balaji temple in Badgonda village. The river Gambhir which eventually joins the Kshipra - the river on whose banks the ancient, holy city of Ujjain is built - also begins at the hill of Janapav. From there it flows north towards Mhow.
THE DEMAND FOR A BROAD GAUGE RAILWAY LINE Mhow has been connected to I ndore and Khandwa by metre gauge railway lines. On Jan 18 2008, the Union Cabinet approved the gauge conversion for the Ratlam-Mhow-Khandwa-Akola railway line.(472.64 km). The cost of the gauge conversion would be about Rs.1421.25 crore.
DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AND MHOW Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's father Ramji Maloji Sakpal was a Subedar Major—a VCO or V iceroy Commissioned Officer (the equivalent of a JCO)—in a battalion of the British Indian Army's Mahar Regiment. The M ahars are an oppressed caste from Maharashtra state of India and are part of the Dalits or downtrodden and untouchable people of India. Dr. Ambedkar had fought on behalf of the Dalits and is a very honoured figure in India today. He and hundreds of thousands of his followers had converted to B uddhism as they claimed disillusioned with Hinduism. A memorial to Dr. Ambedkar in the shape of a Buddhist stupa is being built at a spot where his father's quarters used to be. It is located by the Agra-Mumbai Road and is very near the temple, gurudwara and mosque of the Infantry School Mhow.
RENAMING MHOW AFTER AMBEDKAR AND THE CONTROVERSY Mhow has now been renamed Dr. Ambedkar Nagar in honour of the father of the Indian constitution, who was born here. The renaming has not been without controversy. Many claim that it has been done due to the compulsions of vote bank politics. The new name is used for official purposes and has not been widely accepted. Ambedkar was born in Mhow as his father Subedar Major Ramji Maloji Sakpal - a VCO (Viceroy Commissioned Officer) of the Mahar Regiment - was stationed here. He had nothing to do with Mhow claim opponents of the renaming. They also claim that the name Mhow has a history of its own and is a name which the Indian Army and civilians are deeply attached to. These are also the views of many who say that they have nothing against Ambedkar or the Dalits but are attached to the name Mhow. Opponents of the renaming claim that Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, has not been renamed Gandhinagar and J awaharlal
Nehru's birthplace Allahabad is still Allahabad and not Nehrunagar hence it is not necessary to rename Mhow after Ambedkar. The Dalits claim that this opposition is mainly due to the ingrained bias that upper castes have against them. The controversy refuses to die.
REFERENCES TO MHOW IN THE WRITTEN FORM. Some books about Mhow include:
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Diaries and letters from India, 1895-1900 by V iolet Jacob; Non fiction
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Last Post At Mhow by Arthur Hawkey; London: Jarrolds, 1969; Non fiction
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Chinnery's Hotel by Jaysinh Birjepatil; Ravi Dayal Publishers (India); 2005; fiction
There are references to Mhow in the works of R udyard Kipling.
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(i)His poem "The Ladies"
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(ii) A reference to the train from Ajmer to Mhow in Chapter 1 of T he Man Who would be King and
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(iii) A reference to Mhow in chapter 11 of Kim.
MHOW AND BOLLYWOOD Actors Pooja Batra and C elina Jaitly who are born in Army families have Mhow connections. Both of them are the daughters of retired Indian Army Colonels who have settled here.
SPORTS AND EMINENT SPORTSPERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH MHOW ●
Shankar Lakshman, Indian hockey goalkeeper from Mhow (Indore).
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J.G. Grieg(1871–1958): This cricketer who played most of his cricket in India was born in Mhow. He played for the Europeans in the Bombay Presidency tournament (later known as the Triangulars and later the Quadrangulars and yet later the Pentangulars) and for Hampshire in county cricket. He was affectionately called 'Jungly' Grieg.
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Subedar Major V ijay Kumar (sport shooter), AVSM, SM (16 Dogra Regiment, Indian Army) won a silver medal at the London Olympics 2012 in the 25m rapid fire pistol event. He has been posted at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) Mhow since 2003.
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Kishan Lal, captain of Indian Hockey Team which won gold at the 1948 London Olympics belonged to Mhow.In the domestic circuit he played for the Indian Railways.[4]
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In August 2004 Col (then Major) Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore of the Grenadier Regiment won a silver medal in the shooting event of the Athens Olympics. At that time Major (now Col) Rathore was posted to the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) Mhow.
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Mukesh Kumar is a professional golfer from India who currently plays on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), where he has won the Order of Merit on six occasions on the PGTI and on previous Tour's before that.
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The Indian shooting team for the Commonwealth Games 2010 included 36 shooters of which nine were from the Army Marksmanship Unit, AMU. These were: Seema Tomar, Vijay Kumar, Gurpreet Singh, AD Peoples, Imran Hasan Khan, C.K. Choudhary, Hariom Singh, Sushil Ghaley, Praveen Dahiya. 4 of these nine shooters won 5 Gold, 2 Silver and a Bronze medal either individually or in pairs.
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The English cricketer and footballer Denis Compton was stationed in Mhow during World War II and he had played cricket for the Holkar (Indore) team in the Ranji Trophy (India's National Cricket Championship).
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Amateur sportsman Rajesh Jauhri, an eminent journalist by profession had won four medals in the All India GV Mavlankar Shooting Championship i.e. 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. He has consecutively won the gold medals in this event in 2011 & 2012.
HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS AND ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT SPECIALIST OF MHOW
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Rajeev John George (1970–2005): A housing rights activist, who won an international award called, "Housing Rights Defender Award", in November 2004. The award was given by Geneva based COHRE, "Center for Housing Rights and Evictions", for his tireless work among the slum dwellers. Rajeev was the founder of "Deenbandhu", a housing rights organization. He was also the convenor for, "National Forum for Housing Rights". Rajeev resided in Mhow for his early education.
I
CHAPTER- 1 INTRODUCTION
I
1
CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
HISTORY OF CANTONMENT TOWNS IN INDIA Cantonment areas in India today are a legacy of the British Raj and are
basically a temporary or semi permanent military or police quarter. It was a British military settlement which was to spread out all over India wherever the British were present in sizable numbers. The majority of Indian army cantonments date back to the British era. They have now been remodeled and extended to suit modem day battles. Initially it was a military base for British troops, after sometime cantonment also began to house civilians who were associated with servicing the military, and developed into a full-fledged mini-city of its own. The cantonment thus developed into a European town in India, whose main house type was the bungalow.
Meaning of cantonment The word “Cantonment” is derived from the French word “Canton”, which means comer or district. The word is often abbreviated to the more convenient “Cantt”.
During a campaign, cantonments are places of encampment formed by
troops for a more permanent stay, or while in winter quarters distributed among five Army Commands, (https://en.rn.wikipedia.org/wiki/cantonment) A Cantonment, according to the Webster’s International Dictionary, is a town or village, or a part of a town or village, assigned to a body of troops for quarters; temporary shelter or place of rest for an army. When troops are sheltered in huts or quartered in the houses of the people during any suspension of hostilities, they are said to be in cantonment, or to be cantoned. Among all the potent factors which are attributed to the origin and development of the ‘Cantonments’ in India, the ancient skandhavara have played a prominent role for all time to come.’This indicates that the modem Cantonments had their origin in and devolved from the ancient skandhavara (which in their turn devolved from the still more ancient ‘Durga’).The modem cantonments of the British were devolved from and on the basis and pattern of the ancient durgas and 2
Skandhavaras followed by medieval forts and camps. (Headquarters central command lucknow!994) Number of Cantonments has remained static. But the growth of military stations has become prolific spread over the length and breadth of India. The majority of military stations are family stations where the army persons are allowed to keep their family with them. In 1951 many of the cantonment towns throughout the country were classified or merged into their municipal counterparts like Vadodara, Laskar, Ujjain, Neemuch and Muzaffarpur. The census of 1971 recorded 58 urban places with the municipal status of a cantonment or a cantonment board. In 1981 it increased to 59 with the addition of Morar in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. In 1951 Morar had been merged in Gwalior. At present there are 62 cantonment towns in India No cantonment has been established in the country since the early 1960s while Defense lands have increased four-fold since 1960 and now occupies over 22 lakh acres.In 1962, Ajmer was the last to be notified as a CantonmentMajority of Indian cantonments are spread across Northern, Northwestern and Northeastern India. In many cases the Civilian population in some cantonments has increase considerably. In fact, in some cases it has become the majority of the population and some neighboring towns or villages have also expanded and merged into the contiguous cantonments. All the cantonments have a civilian segment that distinguishes or differentiates the cantonment from the military station. It is regarded as very essential that the character of the cantonment is maintained, they are islands of urban sanity, they area well maintained, better planned and the Government has no intention whatsoever to detract from the character of the cantonments in these country. History of cantonment towns in India Cantonments were places where the army of colonial government had to be exclusively meant quarters assigned for lodging troops, a permanent military station created by the British government in India for the location of military formation away from the civilian towns and insulated from the Indian nationalist influences. A little away from the noise and chaos of Indian cities the British created an almost completely separate living environment. The practice of separation of military officers and men from the civilians and the various military ranks from each other was 3
consistently followed. It was characteristic of British rule that the military were never to the fore. This deliberate decision to locate the military away at a separate, segregated site and to keep it out of visual contact ultimately resulted in the establishment of an independent spatial component its civil counterpart being the station or the civil lines. All the ambitious European nations, keen to get rich and powerful as soon as possible, joined the race to trade with India. Soon however, the English established their undoubted supremacy. A trading company called the East India Company which came to India with the sole objective of carrying on commerce and trade build an Empire of its own. With the success in trade English merchants thought of cantoning troops as it become necessary to maintain a standing Army, not only to protect its trade, but also its territories. The Mughals welcomed all traders. However, with their downfall, the trading nations competed with each other, employed locals as sepoys to protect their trading posts and the British started with their politics of divide and rule. This was the beginning of British Military power in India and the East India Company became a territorial power. Lord Clive initiated the policy of setting up exclusive habitats for the company’s forces, slightly away from the then urban areas, and along the trade-route, like river Ganga. There was limited interaction between the Englishmen and local population in the interest of discipline. These places came to be known as Cantonments - the places where the Forces were cantoned. The first place marked as cantonment was Barrackpore in 1765. Many Cantonments were established after this. As military requirements changed, and new Cantonments were established, some of the old Cantonments ceased to have relevance and were abandoned by army. The Company acquired substantial real estate and infrastructure at many strategically important places. On 17th May 1773, the Parliament of England passed the following resolution: “That all acquisitions made under the influence of a military force or a treaty with foreign princes, do of right belongs to the State.� Thus, all the lands that came into the possession of the East India Company, and later the colonial Government, by conquest, appropriation, perpetual lease, treaty or acquisition came to
4
be recognized as theproperty of the Government through an Act of the Parliament of England. The Company gave lands to English officers to build houses for themselves in the Cantonments.Queen Victoria took over the property of the Company and made it an integral part of British India. Though the East India Company was a trading Company it was governed by the rules and regulations of the British Parliament. The Charter of 1661 authorized the Company to empower the Governor and Councils of each of its factories or trading centers in Madras, Bombay and Calcutta to administer over its employees, the civil and criminal justice according to the English law at the time. Civilians were encouraged to reside in cantonments in order to provide amenities to officers, soldiers and retainers of the Army. Besides, accommodation was needed for the military officers and civilians invested their capital in building bungalows and houses. For administrative convenience, the military set up was divided into 3 parts known as the Bengal Army, the Madras Army and the Bombay Army and rules and regulations were framed by each of these commands with the agreement of the government thatthen existed in Calcutta, Madras and Bombay. Some of these Government Orders relate to the procedure to be adopted in case land was to be allocated to Army Officers. After the British Empire in India was established and consolidated in the latter half of the 19th century, laws recognizing, prescribing, regulating and administering rights in lands and obligations arising there from were enacted in the Presidencies. These were the Bombay Land RevenueCode 1879, the Punjab Land Revenue Act i
1887, the Madras Land Revenue Code, the Bengal Land Revenue Code, the United Provinces Land Revenue Code 1902, the Central Provinces and Berar Land Revenue Code etc. The Mughals welcomed all traders. However, with their downfall, the trading nations competed with each other, employed locals as sepoys to protect their trading posts and the British started with their politics of divide and rule. This was the beginning of British Military power in India and the East India Company became a territorial power.
5
Map No.: 1.1
ARMY COMMANDS IN INDIA
||ttt •**
.
*
Source : www.anywhen.com/2012/12/india-railways and cantonments-1928
6
In 1889 the cantonment Act XIII, was passed which extended to all Cantonments in British India. It pro jaded for Establishment of a Cantonment Authority to deal with various muinicipal functions in the Cantonment. The Cantonment Magistrate was to be its miember secretary and the Executive Officer, in additions to being a Judge of the Court of small cases. The officer commanding the station is also to be a President of the Cainitonment. When the British left in 1947, they retroceded to the respective Native States the jurisdiction they held over these Can onments and the British laws ceased to apply except for those that the Native States wished to continue.
1.2
NATURE OF CANTONMENT TOWNS A cantonment is a unique institution in India with no parallel in other parts of
the world. Each cantonment was essentially a well-defined and clearly demarcated unit of territory set apart for the quartering and administering of troops. There are sixty two cantonments in seventeen different states not including smaller sub-cantonments in the same regional area.The British Army too was positioned for threats from across India's northern frontiers.
Cantonments and Military Stations There are 62 'notified Cantonments' and 299 Military Stations in India occupying an area of 1,57,000 acres: 25 in Central Command, 13 in Western Command, 04 in Eastern Command, 19 Southern command, and one in the Northern Command. In addition 15, 96,000 acres is in use for military garrisons, "quartering, camping, offices", and training areas.Cantonments and Military Stations in peace areas are towns designed to house troops along with their families. Cantonments are stations notified under the Cantonments Act 1924 for purpose of Local Self Government. Military Stations are not so notified. The support services like up keep of roads, disposal of garbage, water supply, sewage services etc., are done in Cantonments by the static civilian population under the Cantonment Boards. These functions are performed by the concerned Station Headquarters in Military Stations. There is no fixed ratio of military and civil population in Cantonments or in Military Stations. There is no supporting civilian population in Military Stations and the minimum essential. 7
Table No. 1.1 Cantonments and Commands in India S I 4o
Name of Cantonment
State
Population
Class
Command
1
Agra
Uttar Pradesh
56198
I
Central Command
2
Ambala
Haryana
55370
I
Western Command
3
Ahmednagar
Maharashtra
39941
II
Southern Command
4
Ahmadabad
Gujarat
14900
II
Southern Command
5
Ajmer
Rajasthan
2160
IV
Southern Command
6
Allahabad
Uttar Pradesh
26904
II
Central Command
7
Almora
Uttarakhand
2204
IV
Central Command
8
Amritsar
Punjab
12162
II
Western Command
9
Aurangabad
Maharashtra
19174
II
Southern Command
10
Babina
Madhya Pradesh
18078
II
Southern Command
LI
Badamibagh
J&K
13477
II
Northern Command
L2
Bakloh
Himachal Pradesh
1810
IV
Western Command
13
Bareilly
Uttar Pradesh
27953
II
Central Command
L4
Barrack Pore
West Bengal
22040
II
Eastern Command
15
Belgaum
Karnataka
23779
II
Southern Command
16
Kannur
Kerala
4699
III
Southern Command
L7
Chakrata
Uttar Pradesh
3499
III
Central Command
L8
Clement town
Uttar Pradesh
11216
II
Central Command
â– 19
Dagshai
Himachal Pradesh
2751
III
Western Command
io
Dalhousie
Himachal Pradesh
1964
IV
Western Command
21
Danapore
Bihar
28149
II
Central Command
/
12
Dehradun
Uttarakhand
30102
II
Central Command
13
Dehu Road
Maharashtra
46921
II
Southern Command
i i i
8
i i
1 S IVo
Name of Cantonment
State
Population
Class
Command
Delhi
Delhi
124917
I
Western Command
Deolali
Maharashtra
50617
I
Southern Command
Faizabad
Uttar Pradesh
13647
II
Central Command
Fatehgarh
Uttar Pradesh
14682
II
Central Command
28
Ferozepnr
Punjab
57418
I
Western Command
29
Jabalpur
Madhya Pradesh
66499
I
Central Command
Jalandhar
Punjab
40521
II
Western Command
51
Jalapahar
West Bengal
928
IV
Eastern Command
52
Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir
28791
II
Western Command
13
Jhansi
Uttar Pradesh
18582
II
Southern Command
i 34
Jutogh
Himachal Pradesh
2420
IV
Western Command
Kamptee
Maharashtra
13125
II
Southern Command
108035
I
Central Command
Ill
Western Command
24
26 1 1
V1 1
\
1l °
l 1
35 I 1 36 l I 37
Kanpur
Uttar Pradesh
Kasauli
Himachal Pradesh
3880
f8
Khas Yol
Himachal Pradesh
10775
II
Western Command
Kirkee
Maharashtra
77473
I
Southern Command
Landour
Uttar Pradesh
3250
III
Central Command
U
Lans Downe
Uttar Pradesh
12190
III
Central Command
[2
Lebong
West Bengal
370
IV
Eastern Command
13
Luck Now
Uttar Pradesh
53764
I
Central Command
Mathura
Uttar Pradesh
11958
II
Central Command
Meerut
Uttar Pradesh
96221
I
Central Command
46
Mhow
Madhya Pradesh
85024
I
Central Command
47
Morar
Madhya Pradesh
38522
II
Southern Command
i
!9
<10
i 1 l
-
9
5 p lo
Name of Cantonment
State
Command
Population
Class
1281
IV
Central Command
l
8
Nainital
Uttar Pradesh
L
9
Nasirabad
Rajasthan
49130
II
Southern Command
k
;o
Pachmarhi
Madhya Pradesh
20215
II
Central Command
ÂŁ
;i
Pune
Maharashtra
79454
I
Southern Command
i
52
Rani Khet
Uttar Pradesh
19055
II
Central Command
i
53
Saugor
Madhya Pradesh
30834
II
Southern Command
54
Shahjahanpur
Uttar Pradesh
20503
II
Central Command
55
St Thomas Mount
Tamilnadu
42439
II
Southern Command
56 l i 57 l
Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh
17246
II
Central Command
Ramgarh
Jharkhand
73434
I
Central Command
58
Roorkee
Uttar Pradesh
17762
II
Central Command
59
Secunderabad
Andhra Pradesh
207258
I
Southern Command
iSO
Shillong
Meghalaya
12385
II
Eastern Command
(SI
Subathu
Himachal Pradesh
5719
III
Western Command
(S2
Wellington
Tamilnadu
20217
II
Southern Command
i
1 I
.
Source: Cantonments in India (1994) The Cantonments are categorized as Class I, Class II and Class III, on the basis of the civil population. Class II Cantonments are, for administrative purposes, sub-classified as A, B and C.There are 36 class I cantonments with a civil population of more than 10000, 15 class II Cantonments with a civil population of more than 2500 and llclass III Cantonments with civil population of less than 2500.1n Class I and Class II Cantonments, the area populated mainly by the civilian population is notified as the Civil Area.
10
Map No.: 1.2
CANTONMENTS IN INDIA 88'
76*
68
N. \
36'
V
A
j
• BADAMIBACH
f IjAMMI
INDIA LOCATION OF 62 CANTONMENTS
V .DAIHOISIE 7
R.F.-I: I
RAKISH* .KHASYcfv AMRITSA^K*
-DEHRADl’N AM BALA* [jgj—CLEMENT TOWN ROORKEE* LANSDOWNE , NAINlTXl DELHI* MEERIT BAREILLY. "V MATHURA* . -SHAHAMUANPI.R AGRA
FATEHGARH •LUCKNOW
... sJ^LAPAH-
28° fJjULVOHC ATA
KANPl,R* .FAIZABAD ^ MORAR* .R4Riv a INA .ALLAHABAD .DANAPOR JHANSI* VARANASI*
r •SHILLONG ------------ 7>
SAl’GOR*
____.JUMGABH •JABALPI R •PAC HMARHI
BARRA( KPORE
•KAMPTEE
20
•Al RANGABAD
irkee^hmednagar •Pl'NE DEI!I ROAD • SECT 'NDERA BAD
r
<£>=•
BE1.GAHM
Source: Cantonments in India (1994)
ll
Table No.1.2 Classification of Cantonment Towns
Class
Civil Population
I
above 10,000
II
(A) Above 7500 but not exceeding 10,000. (B) Above 5000 but not exceeding 7500. (C) Above 2500 but not exceeding 5000
III
2500 and below.
The Boards are statutory bodies - a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire and hold property. Their main functions are, more or less, the same as those of municipal bodies. The Station Commander is the Ex-officio President of Cantonment Board. The legislated composition in respect of the Cantonment Boards is as under:
Table No.1.3 Composition of the Cantonment Boards in India Category of Member
Composition of the Cantonment Boards in India I
11(A)
11(B)
11(C)
III
Ex- officio
3
3
3
3
1
Nominated
5
4
3
2
1
Elected
7
6
5
4
1
Total
15
13
11
9
3
Many cities in the Indian subcontinent, such as Ahmadabad, Belgaum, and Mhow have permanent garrisons. In terms of regional distribution of cantonment towns Uttar Pradesh alone has twenty cantonments out of sixty two cantonment towns in India .On an aggregate level northern India has a greater concentration of cantonment towns as compared to its southern counterparts. 12
Classificationof Defence Land The Ministry of Defence is the biggest landholder in the the country. The lands are of different need based classification occupied by the Army, Air Force, Navy, Central and State Government organizations, civilian population etc. The Ministry of Defence owns approximately 17.54 lakh acres of land throughout the country which is managed by the three Services and other Organizations. Approximately two lakhs acres are inside 62 Cantonments and the rest 15.3 lakhs acres of land are occupied by Military Stations, Air Force Stations, etc. The Army has the maximum of the land holdings under its control and management i.e. 13.84 lakh acres followed by Air Force 1.40 lakh acres and Navy 0.44 lakh acres.The defense land inside the notified Cantonments is approximately 1.58 lakh acres and the remaining around 15.96 lakh acres lie outside the Cantonments. Land in cantonments Towns is classified under the following major categories for the purpose of development Class -A: Reserved for specific military purpose. It is managed by military authorities.The land which is managed by the board is termed class â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122; land. The Defense Estate officer can any time, ask to produce any record, corresponding plan, under its control board will maintain General Land Register in respect of land in Bazaars. It is sub-divided further into two categories. Defence land outside Cantonment areas does not bear any classification. Table No.1.4 Classification of Defence land inside a Cantonment Classification
Land description
Managed by
A1
In active occupation of the Forces and allied services
Local Military Authorities of the Service concerned.
A2
Vacant land which must not be built upon due to specific military reasons.
Defence Estates Officer.
B1
Land owned by the Ministry but in occupation of any other Ministry of
The Ministry concerned in occupation of land.
13
Managed by
Land description
Classification
the Central Government. B2
Land owned by the Ministry but under the control of the State Government.
State Government concerned in occupation of land.
B3
Land held by private persons under Old Grant terms, leases etc. Under which the Central Government Reserved or have reserved to the proprietary rights in the land.
Defence Estates Officer.
B4
Land which does not fall under any other class mentioned above or vacant land
Defence Estates Officer.
c
Land vested in a Cantonment Board for Municipal or other public purposes.
Cantonment Board.
Source; 164.100.47.134/lsscommittee/. ..Z15_Public_Accounts_89.pdf Table No.1.5 Percentage of Land in different categories in Mhow Cantonment Category
Total area in acre
Area (in %)
A1 Land
3000
71.43
A2 Land
86
2.05
B1 Land
216
5.14
B2 Land
7
0.17
B3 Land
500
11.90
B4 Land
130
3.10
CLand
261
6.21
Total
4200
100.00
Source: Defence Estate Office, Mhow 14
The nature of cantonments is such that there is only limited trade and business activity and practically no industry. Thus, cantonment boards are devoid of the resources that are normally available to any municipality of comparable size. Because of the restrictive nature of the land policy regarding the re-development of old properties there has been very little building activity in cantonments. This has, further, reduced the possible income from property taxes, which, normally, constitutes the major source of income for local bodies. Cantonments are spread over large areas and the cost of providing civic amenities in them is, therefore, significantly more than in the municipal areas. When the British ruled, the first barrack was built at Barrackpore thus giving the region its present name. Barrackpore was the venue where the Government House and Estate was built as the residence of the viceroy. Barrackpore saw the 1857 mutiny. This is the place where MangalPandey the Indian soldier attacked a British Commander. British cantonments have colonial design of towns with a population that consisted of residents from other parts of India and Britain.Cantonments is laid on grid pattern. The juxtaposition of their constituent parts may be different or some specific institution may even be absent, these generally conformed to a standard plan with roads lined with trees and backed by bungalows, each with a verandah on three sides set in its own compound, large parade grounds, clubs, the regimental mess, and the church. This plan was typical to all cantonment town landscape. Land-use details are available with the cantonment but are restricted, due to security reasons. Cantonments were always considered as high-security areas, and were insulated from civil populations. These towns have several pre independence era bungalows, some of them in good shape maintained by army .Many cantonment towns are inside the wall more regular in planning of their streets than those towns which were always open. The nineteen largest cantonment towns are Secunderabad, Jabalpur, Mhow, Pune, Kirkee, Deolali, Ahmednagar, and Dehu Road, Delhi, Sagar, St. Thomas Madras, Dehradun, Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Ambala, Jalandhar and Firojpur.
15
The existence of walls had functional as well as morphological effects. The wall was the limit of civic law as well as civic protection. Thus those living beyond it were literally outlaws outside the restrictions as well as the protection of civic order, taxation, guild control, or social conformity. As demographic units also the cantonment towns have retained many of their traditional attributes, e.g. lower density and sex ratio, higher literacy and workforce. Their population growth pattern is also different from that of rapidly urbanizing urban India. In totality thus, the cantonment towns have been able to avoid many of the drawbacks associated with a rapid pace of urbanization.
1.3
SALIENT FEATURES OF CANTONMENT ACT OF 1924 AND 2006 The cantonment Act 1924 was brought in the operation on 1st may 1924.The
Cantonment Act 1924 is “An Act to Consolidate and amend the law relating to the administration of Cantonments.” Today the Cantonments all over India are administered under the Cantonments Act 2006. The Cantonment Act 1924 was introduced
in the
legislative
Assembly
on
26/03/1924
for
Cantonment
Administration. The Cantonment Act lays down both the mandatory and discretionary functions of the Board such as education, public health, sanitation, roads, street lighting, water supply and birth and death registration. Laws in Cantonments evolved from the initial “Support of the police and Maintenance of peace within the limits of the Cantonment “to setting of crimes such as petty offences especially between military personnel and the civilians. By 1837, it was declared lawful to appropriate a portion of taxes for cleaning and repairing towns. The objectives expanded to cleaning, lighting, drainage or washing of public streets, roads, drains or tanks. Another major task was payment of the ‘Chowkidars’ even today the House tax is called the Chowkidari tax. In the first quarter of the 19th Century certain regulations were promulgated which deal with local government .By regulation X of 1801 certain duties were imposed on Bengal towns, and united Provinces. By regulation III of 1809, the support of police and maintenance of peace within the limits of the Cantonments 16
which were originally military Camps. The powers of the officer commanding were restricted by the regulation. He was also to fix the limits of the Cantonment and military Bazaars in Concert with the District Magistrate whereas serious breaches of peace were reserved for the Magistrate. Bengal Regulation xx of 1810 provided for the demarcation of areas within which stricter rules were to be enforced by the officer commanding in Consultation with the Magistrate. Similar regulations were framed, in Madras and Bombay presidencies. By regulation XIII of!813, Chowkidari Tax for watch and ward was levied certain towns in Bengal. Regulation XXII of 1816 as amended by Act XV of 1837, it was declared lawful to appropriate a portion of the taxes for cleaning and repairing of towns. (Cantonment act 1924) The first real legislation for Creation of a modem Municipality was Conservancy Act X of 1842 which applied only to Bengal. It gave towns thirds of the house-holders of any towns, district or place of public resort, who were desirous of making better provisions for repairing, Cleaning lighting, draining or washing of public streets,roads,drains or tanks, or any other purposes to apply to local Government which may set up a Committee. A consolidated Cantonment Act XXX of 1889 was passed for the whole of India which recognized for the first time the necessity of maintaining special laws to replace the military administration. This Act was repealed by the Cantonment Act XV of 1910 which contained only 32 sections. The only municipal subjects it touched were the taxation and Cantonment fund. All other matters were left to be regulated by the rules known as Cantonment Code, 1912. The Cantonment Committees constituted there under were dominated by military nominees but for the first time Indian civilian nominated members were brought into being. The Government of India Act, 1919 transferred the local self Government of the provinces to ministers .These reforms of 1919 was not able to Change the Cantonment Administration. Therefore the government of India appointed a regular Cantonment Reforms Committee in 1921 consisting of four official members appointed by the Government of India and four non official members nominated by the All India Cantonments Association. 17
Government appear to have encouraged this form of development as providing a simple solution to varying demand for officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarters and shops and houses in the bazaars and to have recognized, subject to certain restrictions, right of private ownership in the buildings, while at the same time retaining in themselves the proprietary right in the soil. This is referred to as military or cantonment tenure or old grants. Thus the Rule that whatever affixed to soil belongs to the soil was not made applicable to India. This led to the issue of certain rules, regulations and orders by the Government of Bengal, Madras and Bombay presidencies between the years of 1789 and 1899. The regulations were mostly identical in nature. Two objectives were mostly kept in mind first that of ensuring sufficient accommodation for military officers, and secondly that of regulation of the grant of land sites. Inspite of these provisions in the regulations, difficulty was still being experienced in procuring suitable accommodation for military officers in the cantonments. Therefore, in 1898, the Government introduced the cantonments (House Accommodation) Bill which was passed after four years of discussion in 1902. Hence it was enacted as Cantonments (House Accommodation) Act 1902 which was replaced by the Cantonments (Houses Accommodation) Act, 1923 (VI of 1923). Due to repeated demand for reforms by the representatives of cantonment population, the Cantonments Act, 1924 was enacted to introduce local selfgovernment in the cantonments, which contained substantial civil population.
Features of 1924 act >
The Cantonments Act, 1924 is a model municipal Act but in its implementation,
decentralization
and
democratic
norms
are
largely
compromised because of the status of the citizen who occupies the property only as a licensee of the Government. Land administration and municipal administration overlap and lose their identities as such. >
Cantonment act plays the role of providing guideline to cantonment board. It is the list of rules and regulation laid down by the government for administering all 62 cantonment spread all over the country. The act of 1924 defines and delimits the cantonments all over India. It also provides for the 18
alteration of limits. However, this law does not apply to area outside limits unless the same have been extended. >
In the first half of the 19th century, some sort of local government in towns was developed as a measure of decentralization in Cantonment towns which had a big population, the civilians were continued to be treated as army followers and were ruled and administered by military authorities.
>
There are seventeen chapters and six schedule in the act of 1924.chapter one deals with the history of cantonment laws and Indiandefense estates service, chapter two provides definition and delimitation of cantonments, chapter three gives detail laws regarding cantonment board it has
from 10 to 55
sections ,chapter four deals with spirituous liquors and intoxicating drugs, chapter five includes imposition of taxation its section starts from60 to section 105,chapter six has only six section which comprises cantonment fund and property,chapter seven for contracts only four sections are there, chapter eight on duties and discretionary functions of boards, chapter nine public safety and suppression of nuisances, chapter ten sanitation and the prevention and treatment of disease, section 128 to sectionl 78,chapter eleven on control over buildings, streets, boundaries, trees, etc.,chapter twelve on markets, slaughter houses, trades and occupations ,chapter thirteen states water supply, drainagelighting, chapter fourteen removal and exclusion from cantonments and suppression of sexual immortality, chapter fifteen powers, procedure, penalties and appeals section 241 to 285 sections,chapter sixteen on rules and bye-laws ,chapter seventeen on supplemental provisions >
In 1924 section number 12 have been omitted as its useability ends. Section 24-A concerning duties of executives officer , section 35-A member of the board to be deemed a public servent,section 3 6-A cantonment servant to be deemed a public servent,section 43-A committees for civil areas, section 45-A Report on administration, section 63-A power of central Government to issue directions to the board, section 77-A Notice to be given of the circumstances in which remission or refund is claimed, section 92-A interest payable on taxes due, section 94-A ,99-A,116-A,117-A,130-A,178-A,180-A,181-A,183-A,234A,234-B,256-A,268-A,286-Aare the sub sections of main section.
19
A
Under List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution and the army should be given representation or right to have a say o n any decision of the local authority which goes against the health, welfare, discipline and security of the troops. The civic amenities for the troops within the military area can continue to be with the defense authorities and the Cantonments will regain its original connotation of a place where the troops are quartered. The Cantonments Act, 1924, therefore, as on date remains substantially as it was in the year 1924.
A
Elections to the Cantonment Board are held on expiry of term of the elected members every five years. In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 31 of the Cantonments Act, 1924, Central Government has framed certain rules called the Cantonment Electoral Rules, 1945 for the Purpose.
A
The Cantonments Act, 1924, lays down the duties and discretionary functions of the Board and the manner in which these are to be performed. But the duties can be performed only subject to the availability of funds at its disposal (section 116 of the Act). The Boards are also empowered to frame regulations relating to the administration of the Boards and bye-laws controlling various spheres of activities such as erection/re-erection of buildings, sanitation, hygiene, etc., with the prior approval of the Central Government.
A
The constitutional responsibility of ensuring that the Cantonment Boards carry out their functions in accordance with the law vests in the Government of India. It is the duty of the Government of India to ensure not only delimitation but also the functioning of local self-government in such areas. This constitutional responsibility is discharged through the Officers of the Indian Defense Estate Service (and its predecessor services), the Cantonment Officer at the Board level and the Director (Defense Estates) at the command level and the Ministry of Defense at the Government level.
A
The GOC-in-C of the Command continues to be in enigma in the administrative set up of Cantonment Administration. He exercises certain powers of control under the provisions of the Cantonments Act, 1924, the Cantonment Account Code, 1924, the Cantonment Land Administration Rules, 1937, the Cantonment Fund Servants Rules, 1937, etc. The Act does not define him while it has defined the area commander who has no role to play under 20
the Cantonments Act but he has been given sweeping powers not relating to health, welfare and discipline of the army to override the decisions of the Board without any guidelines under Section 52 of the Act. As per the provisions contained in section 274 read with Schedule V of the Act, the Officer Commanding-in-Chief, the command or other authority authorized by the Central Government shall be the Appellate Authority in respect of appeals against order under sections 126, 134, 138, 140, 142, 176, 181, 185, 187, 188, 206. All these sections have nothing to do with health, welfare and discipline of the troops but purely with local self-government decisions of the Board. Similarly, under Section 181 A, the Officer Commanding-in-Chief can sanction the general scheme to restrict building activity for prevention of overcrowding. Again, under Section 185(2), he has power to stop erection or re-erection or to demolish a building on land not under the management of the Board. Also, the Board cannot compound any building offence not violating a bye-law without the prior approval of the office of the GOC-in-C. Section 192 (I) gives him powers to close and open streets in the Cantonment. Under the Cantonment Account Code, he controls the budget, expenses, losses, reappropriation, revision of establishment, etc. Similarly, under Cantonment Fund Servants Rules, he has the appellate and original powers. Under Section 60 of the Cantonments Act, 1924, a Cantonment Board is empowered to levy within the Cantonment area, with the prior sanction of the Central Government, any tax which may be levied by a municipality in the State in which the Cantonment is situated. The main sources of income of a Cantonment Board are local taxes such as house tax (property tax), conservancy tax, water tax, lighting tax, and trade and profession tax. Expenditure is mostly on establishment and contingencies connected with rendering civic services including maintenance of hospitals and schools. The Cantonments Act like any other municipal Act has provisions conferring powers of taxation, control powers in the interest of public safety, provisions relating to sanitation, prevention of disease, building activities, markets, licensing, etc. It has positive roles to play in running hospitals and dispensaries
and institutions providing water supply, drainage and lighting, etc. >
Under the cantonment act, 1924 the cantonment land administration rules 1925were framed .This led to the lands branch of the cantonment department in which most important functionary was the military estates officer now known as Defense estates officer. He is the agent of government of India for the administration of lands, the property of the central government. He will supply information to the military authorities.
>
The post of Cantonment Magistrate abolished and was replaced by post of Cantonment Executive Officer with only executive powers whereas Judicial powers of CEO was transferred to Civil Judicial staff of local governments.
Features of 2006 act >
The Cantonments Act, 1924 was replaced by the Cantonment Act, 2006 with a view to impart greater democratization and improve the financial base of cantonments to make provision for developmental activities, etc. According to Cantonment Act 2006 the cantonment performs most of the mandatory functions of the urban local bodies as per the 74 Constitutional Amendment.
>
In 2006 sequence of many chapters differs from that of 1924 act like chapter four of 1924 act deals with spirituous liquors and intoxicating drugs and in 2006 act it deals with duties and discretionary functions of boards. In the same manner chapter eight focuses on duties of board in 1924 but in 2006 act it deals with sanitation and the prevention and treatment of disease. Like this chapter nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen and fourteen differ in sequence of chapter.
>
Some new sections have been added in cantonment act 2006 like section 23 which is allowances to vice-president and members, section 46 on civil area and section 47 deals committees for civil area, section 57 i.e. power of central government to review, section 67 on charging of fees, section 68 on norms of property tax, section 99 public notice for taxes due, sectionl21 power of board to borrow money, section 141 special provisions for collection of rubbish and solid waste management, section 156 blood bank, section 160 power to require names of patients or customers of a medical practitioner of paramedical workers thesesections are not there in old act of 1924. 22
>
section 187 on terms of water-supply, sectionl88 which focus on the role of board to carry out survey and formulate proposals, section 205 water supply for domestic consumption, section 209 special provisions concerning drainage and sewage, section 210 construction of and control of drains and sewage collection and disposal works, section 211certain matters not to be passed into cantonments drains, and from section 212to 232 and 275,278,281,359. All the above mentioned sections are not there in the old act of 1924.
>
In new act of 2006, town planning and control over building has been introduced. It has section from 233 to section 264.in 2006 act annexure are not given which there in 1924 act. There are ten annexure in 1924.
>
Section 67 of publication of assessment list, section 90 of presentation of bill section 97power to prohibit or exempt from taxation, in cantonment act 1924 has been omitted in 2006 act.
>
As more sections have been included in 2006 the total number of sections has rised from 292 to 360 sections but schedules have reduced from six to five.
>
In 2006 act sub section like 94-Ahas been assigned a new section of 105.this has increased the number of sections in 2006 act.
>
No person shall erect or re-erect any building on any land in a Cantonment without obtaining previous sanction of Board/competent authority as envisaged in section 234, 235 and 246 of the Cantonment Act 2006.
Benefits of cantonment act 2006 Cantonment act1924 has been critised on many grounds. It was considered non-democratic, anti- civilian and non-developmental hence to overcome these shortcoming new cantonment act 2006 has been brought into force. The Cantonments Act 2006 repealed and replaced the Cantonments Act 1924. It introduced greater democratization process by actually introducing parity of civil members with military members. In conformity with the 74th Amendment to the Constitution, reservation to the extent of l/3rd of the seats for women was introduced. >
The new Act categorized the Cantonments into four categories on the basis of the population. The Member of Parliament and the Member of Legislative 23
Assembly, representing the constituency which comprises wholly or partly the Cantonment area, are special invitees for the meetings of the Board without a right to vote. >
Administrative control over the Cantonment Boards is exercised by the Central Government (Ministry of Defense/DGDE) through the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, the Command and the Principal Director Defense Estates.
>
Property tax is a major source of revenue. As Government property is exempted from tax, in lieu thereof the State Governments pay Service Charges to the Cantonment Boards. (Section 66)
>
Grant-in-aid is also provided by central Government to deficit Boards. All the Executive Officers of the Cantonments were appointed under the Cantonments Act, 1924. They were bom on a cadre governed under the Executive Officers Service Rules, 1925, made under the Cantonments Act, 1924, and appointed by the Central Government.
>
Clauses 12(3) and 12(4)(b): These stipulate that the Board for Category I and II Cantonments respectively shall consist of, among others, “the District Magistrate nominated by him”. We propose that the clause should read, “The District Magistrate or an Executive Magistrate not below the rank of Sub Divisional Magistrate nominated by him”. The Additional District Magistrate is not headquartered at the Cantonment, and is inundated with a huge workload, which would preclude him from effectively.
>•
The section 46 and 47 for civil area and committees for civil areas has been incorporated in 2006 act which was not there in 1924 act board. As per this new section board is require to undertake review of the boundaries of the civil area in each cantonment.
^
Section 57 gives power to central government to review any decision or order of the board or the general officer commanding- in -chief, the command.
^
Section 121 enables cantonment board to borrow money from another board for any schemes or projects.
>
Section 141 makes provision for collection of rubbish and solid waste 24
management in cantonment town. This section was not there in old act of 1924. >
Section 156 makes provision for establishment of blood bank or any centre where blood, plasma and marrow could be collected. This was the great provision incorporated in 2006 act.
>
Chapter ten of new cantonment act has provision for town planning and control over building.
1.4 THE BACKGROUND OF STUDY Initially the word “cantonment” meant temporary or semi-permanent military quarters, later on the term was extended to describe permanent military stations. Cantonments were established in India under the British regime to serve as military headquarters, with the sole purpose to control and administer the British India and the princely states. These were covered under the Cantonment Act of 1924 where land administration and the municipal functions overlapped to an extent, to lose their identities. Under this act the government was the sole owner of the land and the occupants were only the licensees of the government. In a report submitted to the Government of India these have also been called as “Colonial Jurassic Park’s” (Govt, of India, 2001). During the British period these cantonment areas were having a small civil population, and most of them were settled there to serve the needs of the army. With the change of time the population, functions and the economy of these towns changed significantly, causing diverse problems related to growth of residential population, economy and administration. In India there are 62 cantonment areas in 17 different states, out of which in most of them the cantonment area is different from the civil area and both are administered by separate bodies. However, there are some cantonments which are solely controlled by the cantonment act. These towns are facing special problem due to many fold increase of the civil population, together with their changed economic and social structure. Mhow is one of such cantonment towns where the existing population is over one lakhs, while the area occupied by the civil population remains
25
more or less the same, creating a problem of congestion, unauthorized construction, and lack of opportunities for economic growth. From its basic structure of a total dependence on the army for its sustenance and economy, there has been a drastic change. Besides swelling of its number, due to the economic nodes of Indore and Pithampur, there has been a total departure in the priorities of the town, initially perceived. A number of problems, like, lack of space for expansion, exorbitant land cost (unofficial), unauthorized construction and encroachments, congested living space, thousands of daily commuters and growing conflicts between army and civil administration have crept in. With the background, as above, it will be interesting, both academically and operationally, to study the urban geography of Mhow town with a special focus on its historical growth, in the light of emerging economy of the commercial hub of Indore and the newly founded industrial town of Pithampur, with a backdrop of limitations put under the cantonment act where there is no provision for the expansion of civil area.
1.5 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM During British period cantonment towns were established with a sole purpose to serve the needs of the British army. With the change of time the population, functions and the economy of these towns changed significantly causing diverse problems related to the growth of residential population, economy and administration. Mhow is one such town which is entirely administered under the cantonment act, with no separate civil area. However, due to the proximity of a million city of Indore and a growing industrial centre of Pithampur, its role and economy has transformed drastically, as compared to that, conceived initially. The research problem of the proposed study is toa)
Analyze the changes in its basic structure, population, economy, and social set up, in the back drop of the very purpose for which the town was initially settled.
26
f
b)
Impediments to its growth and development due to the existing administrative structure.
c)
And to envisage the future needs and the course of action thereof.
1.6
RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY
(i)
In spite of the fact that the literature on the urban geography of a number of Indian towns is available, no study was recorded with reference to the wholly administered cantonment towns which have their special status, functions and problems. The proposed study, is therefore, expected to provide a new dimension to the study of urban geography in India.
(ii)
The study may be helpful in assessing the problems and future needs of Mhow that may be helpful in building a future vision for this congested town.
1.7
OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE In India the pioneer attempt to bring urban geography in focus was made by
Prof. R. L. Singh in 1995 who wrote the book on “Urban Geography of Banaras” A number of Standard text books on urban Indian Geography have been written by foreign as well as Indian Writers. A variety of works involving analytical and advanced approach in urban are available Historical, Social and Ecological aspects of towns and the process of urbanizations have also been dealt by a number of writers. Following are the few reviews on the available literature on the topic under study: Functional classification of the town has been undertaken bymahy authorsof various Indian cities. Nelson’s method has been applied to classify functionally the towns of Ganga- Yamuna Doab .It is found that function and economic growth of the town is interlinked. (R.P Singh and M.P. Dabrall972).The functional zones of Itarsi town has been discovered with the help of article and it is concluded that Itarsi has emerged as commercial centre, though few functional zones need some modification A.N. Singhl967).Certain basic principles of classifying towns functionally has been suggested and few rules for classifying towns provided. (Om Prakash Singhl977).
27
The growth of Lucknow city shows a tendency to the segregation of functions into separate regions. He further explains Lucknow a diversified city .The chief business area occupies its inner zone, while residential area has a tendency to hold the peripheral position (M.N Nigam 1964). The paper attempts to investigate trends of urbanization in Birbhum district of West Bengal which essentially an agricultural district and conducts analyze of the overall performance of such towns and Government role towards its development. (Parbati Nandil993). The present paper measures the urbanizing influence of Agra city on its adjoining country side and the availability of some of the social amenities to the population of the villages. (Kamla Guptal983).The process of urbanization in the Chandigarh periphery zone has been examined in the context of violation of the periphery control act of Chandigarh. The entire analysis is based upon the development of urban centre in the peripheral zone of Chandigarh in contrast to the provision of the peripheral control act. (P.K. Sharma and komila Parthi2002). Urban sex ratio and its spatial variation in west Bengal has been analyzed in the present study. Correlation technique has been utilized to explain variations in terms of various factors like growth rate, population size and level of industrialization of the urban centres of the state. Author has found that West Bengal is characterized by an exceptionally low urban sex ratio and that areal of variation of sex ratio indicates the influence of variations in population size and the industrial component of the working population of the urban centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rather than their rate of growth. (Sriparna Bose 1990). The paper attempt to analyze spatial trends of urbanization in Uttar Pradesh, which has been one of the less urbanized states. The study helps to understand the process and pattern of urbanization in the state. As indicated by the author the process of urbanization is progressing well in Uttar Pradesh. (R. M. Tripathil999).The evolution, growth, land use morphology, population and size of six urban centres were affected by presence of river. (Mohd.Ataullah 1985). The relationship between economic development and urbanization in India is critically examined. It manifests the nature of the urbanization at the regional level as well as in relation to the high concentration of urban population and activities in cities. It attempts to provide a ground level view of the complexities of economic development in all its intricacies. (Satish Sharma2002)The urban structure process, spatial movement and linkage patterns of Nasik city has been Studied. Quantitative method is used to understand the 28
structure and function of the urban landscape of Nasik city and its future possibilities. Internal structure of the city is also analyzed. (K.M Kulkarnil981)Present research paper analyzes spatial trends of urbanizationin Uttar Pradesh, which has been one of the less urbanized states. The study helps to understand the process and pattern of urbanization in the state. As indicated by the author the process of urbanization is progressing well in Uttar Pradesh. Except for the size classes defined in the census the concept of hierarchy is not brought out (R. M. Tripathil999) .A study was conducted on urbanization in the Chandigarh periphery zone to examine the process of urbanization in the context of violation of the periphery control act of Chandigarh. Census data has been used for the study. Various sections of the act have been discussed and development has been seen in the context of the provisions of each section. (P. K. Sharma and K. Parthi 2002) Urban growth of Rajasthan state has been presented in this study. It has long feudal history with relatively low colonial impact .It is a mosaic of desert and plain with subsistence and commercial agriculture. It is concluded that both prosperous and subsistence agricultural region accounted for urbanization at a different scale. (Raj Balal997)The urbanization process of a medium town of Hospet in Karnataka is explained by the scholar. It examines the growth of the town and its socio economic structure by utilizing sample survey techniques. Finding shows that there is a considerable gap in the socio- economic environment of Hospet.
(H.G.
Hanumappal981) Author tried to explain through this paper the phenomenon of urbanization in India with special reference to Sibsagar Assam. Different aspects of urbanization are included in the study. Finally it is observed that urbanization process is very slow and there is a need for planned urban growth. (Manirul Hudal990)This article focuses on the urbanization process in Punjab during the traumatic eighties when security consideration and resource constraints contained the development process. Author suggests that major importance should be given to urban development programmes for that purpose Punjab urban development authority is constituted and reformed land development policy created (Gopal Krishnan 1994). It is investigated that Indian urbanization decelerated during the 1971-81 to 1981-91 periods. This trend is attributed to decline in rural to urban migration which is due to the success of the agricultural /rural development and industrial /urban dispersal programme. Because of high rate of natural increase of urban population migrants are forced to 29
take residence in peripheral villages rather than with in the cities themselves. (Gopal Krishnan 1993) Author attempted to study trend and future prospect of urbanization and the problems raised and there probable solution suggested.( P .Dayal 2004)The level of urbanization and the causes responsible for the variation in the level of urbanization at the district level in Jammu and Kashmir is examined by using composite urbanization score. Author found that disparity in the level of urbanization arises due to the variation in industrial and agricultural resource base, topography, lack of regional accessibility to transport and communication and isolation of some district from the main stream of economic, social and political life (Mohd. Sultan Bhattl994).The trend of urbanization in India has been discussed since 1901-81. The state level analysis of urban growth indicates that there is no uniformly found in trends of urbanization (S.K dixit 1991).It illustrates an approach of spatial dimensions of planning at district level of North kanara district (Karnataka) as a case study. The study helps in formulation of development strategy appropriate for the district. (L.S Bhattl987) Author carried out this study on the internal dynamics arising from the contemporary developmental ethos .This book attempts to look at the actual workings and operation of institutions, organizations and programmes. It explores the reason for the prevailing state of affairs which can be summed up as the more thing change, the more they remain the same. (Mohammad A. Qadeerl983)The present paper examines the rapid physical development process operating in the rural- urban fringe areas outside Ahmadabad city in absence of a statutory development plan, and Suggests broad strategies to streamline peri -urban development (Utpal Sharma and shobhit Tayal2002). Author has tried to establish the relationship between urbanization, economic development and social structure in Uganda .It highlights the extent to which Uganda4 s urbanization process has reached and some of the prominent changes taking place in its urban social structure .it is found that the rate of urban growth is higher than rest of the nation at large. (Alvin H. Scaffl967) This study stresses on the problems faced by the inhabitants of Allahabad over a year due to the lack of sound management by the governmental authority. It emphasizes on the negligence on the part of the policy makers and executives which resulted in human living condition of the city dwellers. It is observed by the author that Allahabad municipal board has formed the improvement trust to look after the civic 30
administration. (Ujagir Singhl961) Authors carried out study which aims to analyze on scientific basis for the rational and optimum utilization of the resources of the region, without endangering the life-Supporting capacity of the ecosystem in the interest of man himself .Thus author suggests that local peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in maintaining and preserving ecosystem would help to a great deal. (S.L. kayastha and R.S. Yadavl982) The phenomenal growth of the industry was accompanied by a rapid increase in population and hence the rapid development in the city, this article described the various stages involved in the development of Bombay metropolitan city It has attained saturation point of its growth hence many problem have arised due to over population. (B. Arunachalaml955) Delhi has seen many rise and fall throughout history. Once it was Mughal kingdom then became the Capital of British Empire. Author examines that military security has affected the growth and development of this legendary city .During British period defense function top the list. It was not compromised at the cost of development of the city. The purpose of army is to provide security to the inhabitants. Hence the city has not seen that development which it deserves to have due to army interference. (Narayani Guptal971)Present piece of work highlights the changes that Allahabad civil lines have undergone and identify the issues, which need immediate attention. Colonial impact is seen in Allahabad civil line. (Aushutosh Joshi2007) Author explains the barriers which are faced by the policy implementing bodies due to untrained and in adequate staff, general apathy, vested interests and above all paucity of funds. Author recommends a sound legal framework conducive for public private partnership in the infrastructure development. (A.K. Lai 1998) The study has presented indicators of development such as demographic, social, economic and infrastructural aspect has been taken into consideration. The data regarding the use of modem amenities, availability of efficient and sufficient modem urban amenities are analyzed and the study further focuses its attention on the level of development of town and brings out the underlying relationship between city size and various functions. (Manjula Davel991)According to authors all developmental activities have to be effectively planned, programmed, implemented and managed through a people oriented institutional mechanism. Author has suggested for the universal recognition to the need for restricting the unabated growth of metropolitan decentralization and accelerated development of small and medium 31
sized secondary cities in the metropolitan region. (R.C. Guptal999) .Attempts is made to evaluate the spatial growth of Calcutta metropolis in the background of its economic growth since the colonial era. It is emphasized that revitalization of the regional economy has important bearings on the future of metropolis (Sumita Gupta and Nisit Som (1997). Authors attempts to understand the role of urban growth and anthropogenic forces in changing metropolitan atmosphere quality. They also tried to study the environment of metropolitan cities of India. (Bhuwan Kumar and R.B. Singh2003) Book has been written on African cities. It is a refreshing, theoretically mature study of African cities and their role in world economy .Author explores in great detail about post colonial urban development in sub Saharan Africa. (David Simonl993) Authors togetherattempted to suggest an ideal framework at micro- level for the socio- economic development to achieve the objectives of growth and distributive Justice after identifying the existing system of service centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, their complimentary regions and the spatial functional gaps in the study area. (S.C. Sharma and Rajan Sharmal993) The present study focuses on the single Indian city which is quite similar in methodology and contents with other urban geographers. He has introduced Mohallas the unit of plotting for a number of non-demographic elements. The spatial functional structure of the Umland of Rohtak was studied through the spatial organization of the central places located within the Umland (Krishnan Dutt Sharma 1981). The present studyexplores the decline witnessed by Hyderabad, a four centuries old city. Through this paper author examines factors as well as the institutional arrangements made to overcome it. Polices and strategies adopted for its upliftment are discussed at length. (A.S Ansari2000) This article shows the growth and functional structure of the town. Author has explained how the growth of the three town of Khartoum has grown against all odds. Its functional structure is influenced by Burgess concentric zone Model. (G.Hamdanl960) The growth pattern of small towns in Gujarat state has been examined during the three census decades with focus on the 1951-1961 decade. The results of this exploratory exercise is of some relevance for comprehensive urban and regional planning which gives due consideration to relevant spatial and locational elements. (K.B.Suril972) Anal identifies various morphological characteristics of the towns of North Bihar to describe the evolution of them. The impact of different physical and cultural 32
influences on the evolution and morphology of towns has been examined. A thorough study of residential,
Morphological
and commercial
area are conducted.
(A.K.Singhl990) The process of urbanization of a small town of Uttar Pradesh is studied in this book. It traces the development of the town as an epitome of the Indian class III town with no significant religious, political or industrial past. The historical and Morphological aspects of Ballia have affected the growth of the town. (Lalta Prasadl985) The study is based on census classification of towns as well as on the nature of services available in different towns. It also focuses on determining the different levels of growth foci in India. The spatial analysis of towns has been done (Vashistha Narayan Singhl986). The nature and patterns of urban growth in West Bengal has been studied. Author also analyzes Spatio - temporally the emerging new urban settlements. It also investigate district wise urban growth from 1951-2001. Author found the Colonial impact on the towns of west Bengal. (Sandip Tah2009) The growth of a new Amazonia town is explained in this study. Squatter invasions are analyzed in the context of household survival strategies and local politics. The Dynamic interactions among Squatters, land owners and political factions are examined (J. Timmons Robertsl992).Author has visualized the changes that are likely to occur in modem cities of the world in general and India in particular during the twenty-first century in respect of population growth, urbanization, poverty, pollution, infrastructure, housing, traffic and transportation, economic base, social profile, resource needs settlement pattern, urban management and related issues and to suggest planning methods for the foreseeable future. (L.R. vagale!999) The urban growth in India is dealt in general with relevance to urban agglomeration by using 1991 census. Due to urbanization many problems have erupted such as congestion, haphazard development of urban spaces, increases of slums, unemployment etc. (B.K.Royl993). The present paper aims at focusing on the urban growth and prospects in the state of west Bengal in terms of levels of urbanization, population. Concentration and Components of population change during 1981-1991. (Anuj Kumar Sahal995) The objective of the study is to assess the impact of history on growth and decay of towns in Andhra Pradesh and to analyze the pattern of growth of historical towns. The study is based on historical data from secondary sources (K. Krishna, D. Babu, et. al.2004). The present studyportrayed the perception of the residents of some core areas of the Ahmadabad. Focus is placed 33
on the role of perception and behaviour of the people in cognizing their spaces and living preferences in Ahmadabad City. She suggested for a strong economic base which will reduce the spatial contrast in life style between the poor core and the rich periphery. (Anjana Desail990)The quality of life is positively associated with per capita income. It is very well presented through this article. Different indicators are used to show the quality of life. (William Easterlyl999)A study on urban growth in India shows that there is a positive relationship between size of town and their growth. This article explains the differences in the rate of growth of towns. The objective of this study is to test empirically the hypothesis of a positive relationship between the growth of urban population and the size of the locality. It is found that urban growth in terms of economic structure of towns shows a positive relationship between industrial development and growth of urban areas. (K.B. Suril968)The growth behaviour of the towns isexamined in relation to their functional category and functional diversification. The growth of multifunctional and bifunctional towns was somewhat faster than that of mono functional towns. The study revealed that during 1961-71 medium sized towns recorded a moderate to rapid growth rate (P. Rana and G. Krishnal981). It is an extensive case study on the growth and urbanization of a typical Indian town, namely Roorkee situated in western Uttar Pradesh. The paper traces all aspects of development including demographical, social, economical, administrative and environmental of Roorkee in the nineteenth and twentieth centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Finally it identifies the environmental and developmental problems associated with urbanization of the town. (D.S. Arya and S.A. Abbasi and H. Joshil995)The study aims at focusing on urban growth and prospects in the state of west Bengal in terms of level of urbanization, population concentration and components of population change during 1981-91. The study is totally based on primary data collected from the field through interview schedule (A. K. Sahal995).The first attempt for preparing a master plan was undertaken for Delhi and it became the model for the rest of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departments. Alternative planning methods are required for India and its problems. Master plan and structure plan may not be the suitable solution for planning in India. But strategy plan may prove helpful. A task force appointed by the institute of town planners must explore and suggest better alternative methods to change the plan making techniques in India (Jamal H.Ansari 1997).
34
The economic base of the city has been explored by using 1981 census data, industrial statistics and reports of sales turnover. It is revealed that Lucknow city, unlike other urban centers of utter Pradesh, is primarily a business and service centre. Thus from above study it is concluded that the economic base of Lucknow rests on service sector. (A.K. Singhl991)Author has tried to investigate different aspects of the towns of Haryana viz. origin, evolution and growth of towns during ancient, medieval and modem period. Distributional pattern, hierarchy and spacing have been discussed. These towns are analyzed functionally and urbanization pattern during the 20th century in Haryana has been analyzed. He also discussed the distributional pattern, hierarchy, spacing, functional structure and functional classification of the towns. (Pranay Sharma2000) The function and growth of the towns of upper Ganga Yamuna Doab region has been studied. It is stated that urban growth of a region is caused by two processes one is integration and other one is integration. Two types of indices have been employed in the functional classification of townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s i.e. functional centrality index and functional specialization index. (Herendra SinghI984)It is an attempt to find out the general tendencies inherent in the demographic history of towns and at the same time indicating the wide bounds with in which individual places may grow more are less rapidly than other places of comparable size. For the small towns there is considerable scope for individual variation while for the large towns it is relatively less. (Ashish Sarkarl989)Delhi is a legendary city of India. It has seen many dynasties in its life. The Rajputs, the pathans, the Mughals, the Marathas and the British rulers have ruled over Delhi and left their impact on the city like its morphology, function etc. Delhi was carefully planned. It has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years owing to a variety of factors such as the growth of the industry, trade and commerce. (Ashok Diwakar and M,H. Qureshi 1996)Study focuses on the urban order of an Indian city as Indian cities are characterized by heterogeneity of local and migrant population. The author states that with increasing trend of communal identity and competition in the present day situation social harmony is a fundamental requirement for survival of human beings (Anjana Desail993).A study conducted on the rapid industrialization in the lower Damodar valley region which has taken place over the last four decades.The study shows that the rapid industrialization in the lower Damodar valley has given birth to two huge urban Conurbations, one along the Hoogly levee from the Howrah Northward and
35
another along the bank of the Damodar stretching westward from Durgapur. (Swapna Basu 1992) It investigates the expansion of Aligarh city during the last fifty years (1951 to 2001) and its impact on the countryside. This paper focuses on the loss of cultivated land and agricultural land put to non- agricultural uses. It is found that mostly cultivated lands are utilized for residential purposes with lack of infrastructural facilities like Water, sanitation, electricity, roads etc. (Abha Lakshmi2008))Author attempted through this volume to redress the imbalance by demonstrating geographical importance of defense in many of vital areas. As defense against military attack by an enemy has had a considerable geographical impact. (Michael Bateman and Raymond Riley 1987)
Many towns and small cities in developing
countries do not attend their potential for promoting equitable development. Developmental policies for towns must be focused on strengthening their capacity to stimulate agricultural production and marketing of its goods to support small scale agro processing establishment, and to diversify the economic base of market centres (Dannis A. Rondinellil983). Attempts are made to analyze the growing pattern of socio economic disparities among different bodies from various religious, language and social groups of society in Guwahati city and the factors influencing them. But a very low-income group of the population has been neglected in this study. It also suggests measures for checking such disparities (P. Borgohain and H. N. Sharmal997). The study aims at searching for processes that are responsible for the residential pattern of the suburbs of Ahmadabad city during 1961-1981. The study has demarcated residential suburbs from the total suburbs of Ahmadabad city, based mainly
on
landuse,
demographic
composition
and
Connectivity.
(Smita
Senguptal987)The advantage of aerial photo-interpretation technique has been highlighted for the study of Landuse and settlement. This technique is advantages in terms of time, effort & accuracy. But the technique cannot be considered as a complete system for data acquisition .Research and development on this technique is needed to develop a more functional classification system for urban landuse study. (N.C. Gautaml975)The study explains the effectiveness of the administrative machinery, designated in a medium sized town in India to implement a central government scheme.This study is going to be used by government for analyzing his organization and organizational goals for changing it. (Raj Nandyl985)This article 36
examines the growth, functions and population changes of chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s towns in recent years, using Guangdong province as a case study. Authors have examined the relationship between towns and the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rural economic growth, with emphasis on the roles of towns in rural population migration. (Laurence J.C. Ma and chusheng Linl993) Author has stressed that sheer administrative mis-management of cities which is responsible for the total mess that urban areas are in today .Author has provided suggestions in order to make cities pleasant place to live and work in. There is a need to make a gigantic effort to replan, reshape and rebuild cities. (B.G. Fernandezl999)There are several basic differences between college towns and other types of cities. The study considers why the college town is largely an American phenomenon and distinguishes among types of college towns, and examines some of the characteristics that make them distinctive. This study fills a gap in the literature by presenting a concise portrait of collage town in the United States. (Blake Gumprecht 2003)For the first time an attempt is made to create self - contained and balanced communities. Many new towns in India are planned towns. Findingssuggest having a good master plan and rapid construction for planed town is essential. (Ottoh koenings Bergerl952)An analytical study on small and medium towns of Madhya Pradesh has been carried out by the authors. It analyzes growth and causes of decline of small towns. They studied the pattern of urbanization of Malwa region which includes 13 districts mainly of western and to small extent of inland western region of Madhya Pradesh socio- economic aspects of these towns have been studied for formulating right policies.(A.C. Minocha, H. S. Yadavl989) Near-neighbour technique has been applied for describing the spatial distribution of towns in the Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh .Author found that towns are uniformly distributed .The relationship between size and spacing of towns is weak but positive. The author has seen a number of factors such as transportation and drainage lines, density of population agricultural productivity and socio cultural factors have played a role in the specific spatial distribution pattern (K.K. Misral990).A detailed study of walled city of Hyderabad is attempted. The problems faced by the residents of walled city are identified by the author .The historical and structural factors which make the walled city congestion- prone are studied here. Various reasons were mentioned for its backwardness .Many policies and programmes were framed to develop the walled city. (Ratna Naidul990)Udaipur city was laid down by Maharana Singh in 1559
37
A.D. In 16th century building activities were around the palaces. In the 17th century, ribbon shaped developments took place along the main roads of clock Tower Hathipole and clock tower surajpole. In the 18th century the open spaces around the major roads and lanes were fully built up. (S.S. Dhabriyal964)Author analyses the characteristics of small towns in 1971 to 1981 and made comparative study of the temporal changes in the characteristic and to account for the spatial variations therein. The study reveals that the structure of the towns has been changing from one of public services to a mix of agricultural and industrial functions (S. Malathil993).This article examines the effect of rapid urbanization on small towns of china. These towns play crucial role in the level of Chinese urbanization and to achieve other governmental goals. Problems and prospects of small towns as growth poles in the urban geography of china is studied. (K.C .Tan 1986) Study explores that small town are neglected in the way of development. It indicates the prominent features of the economies of small towns by taking into account the pattern of distribution of the work force among the different sectors. (M.P. shreevastava and K.K. Tandonl968) the growth, evolution and functional structure of Jabalpur city have been studied by the author. It has developed as unplanned big town. Hence all the drawbacks of unplanned town are found in this city. Proper policies and strategies are required to have liveable city for its residents. (K.N.Varmal962) The factor which leads to changes in town boundary of Rajasthan has been examined by the scholar. Any analysis of urban growth must take into account the change in the territorial jurisdiction of towns while explaining their growth behaviour. Strict and appropriate guidelines should be framed for any change in the jurisdiction of towns. (Dr. Rajbala 1987)Ranchi town represents a very interesting picture of two cultures. Though both are indigenous and oriental, locally they are known as tribal and non tribal. It can be observed in its different growth phases. The study highlights the detail of the historic settlements of the people as well as to study the plan element of this plateau town. (Ram Kumar Tiwaril997)Author evaluated the role of market towns in the regional development, selecting the case of Rajasthan. The nearest neighbouring technique was used to see the spatial pattern of the towns. The study shows that four patterns random, approaching random, approaching clustered And Approaching uniform maybe identified. The study highlights need to develop small market towns which is serve as collecting centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or agricultural produce and service centre.( H.M. Saxenal984)Author made an attempt 38
to study medium towns as development nodes. The author have made a case study of Maharashtra to throw light on the reasons behind the stagnation of medium towns, the constraints which operate against thin growth and proposed remedies for the growth of these towns. Feeble manufacturing today has been stated as the most significant reason (Jaymala Didee and Octanial933).Authors carried out a study to determine the demographic zoning of the Ranchi town in a spatial perspective by studying the different demographic variables of the town. By using simple potential techniques and equi-potential lines he carried out three demographic zones in the town viz., the inner zone, the intermediate zone and the outer zone (Ram K. Tiwari and D. C. Mishra2002).The present paperanalyses the dynamism of small towns in Gujarat. The viability of small towns does depend on their size location and interactions and economic functions. Author tried to understand the processes underlying the development of small towns in Gujarat. (Anjana P. Desai and Ami U. Rawail993)The main objectives of the study are to study the nature of economic structure of all towns and to classify them based on function. It shows that the economic structure of agricultural towns is weak. In conclusion it is noted that a large number of low mixed types of towns in the data, which have no single predominant urban function exists they are not balanced or diversified. (Mukherjee, Shehar 1966) Many writers wrote on Mhow some of them have been reviewed in this study. Mhow cantonment like any other cantonment is facing problem of congestion, overcrowding and many other such type of. Lack of civic amenities has put the residents into trouble. These grievances of the civilians have been pointed out and suggestion provided to solve it. (Mukti shreevastaval990).An extraordinary book was published which narrates the pride arrogance and prejudice of army life. This story took place in 1862 in infantry school. It is about a scandal in Mhow which occurred when the 6th battalion of the Inn skilling Dragoons was posted here. The commanding officer was accused of extreme cruelty sergeant major Lilly and his wife. This cruel court martial had changed the procedures of court martialing a culprit (Arthur Hawkeyl969).A fiction was written by an English lady who return to Mhow with the daughter of her dead sister, four decades after she had left to England. They visit chineryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotel which was built by her parents during the Raj period. The novel is interplay of past and present. This book explores these issues in an extremely well written and competent manner (Jay Singh Birj2005). Mhow is mentioned in some of 39
the works of English writers. These includes poem “The Ladies”, a reference to the train from Ajmer to Mhow in Chapter 1 of ‘The man who would be king ‘and a reference to Mhow in chapter 11 of Kim. This book presents a vivid picture of India, its teeming population religions and superstitions and the life of the bazaars and the road. (Rudyard Kiplingl865-1936)Being a cantonment area Mhow is ruled by the cantonment laws enacted from time to time .Several restrictions are imposed on the civil population which hinders their fullest growth researcher has cited many judicial cases to prove her argument for injustices done by the army on the civil population. Author has brought to limelight the grievances of people of Mhow. This study brings to light some of the arbitrary proceedings, exorbitant demands and non accountability that have led to serve human rights denial. (Pervin Jahangir2001)An edited magazine attempts to describe the glorious past, challenging present and bright future of this historical town.Historical growth of town has been depicted in this magazine .It includes events, facts, famous personalities from various fields, social workers ,about social life and political scenario, mentality of Mhow people, opinion of
youth
.festivals
celebrated
in
Mhow
Tahsil.(ShahidMitra
Mandal,
Mhowl983)This book explains the causes and consequences of 1857uprising in Malwa region of central India. Mhow also witnessed the mutiny. Author very nicely narrates the events which took place in 1857. It also throws light on inefficient police system. It provides a vivid picture of the chronological happening of the revolt. (Khushhalilal Srivastaval966).The main purpose behind this endeavor is to bring to light the issue of Mhow and create an understanding towards the sufferings of the civilians. The author’s vision on this issue is a solution acceptable to all duely on the merits of the rights of individuals as well as institutions. According to authors burning issue is ownership of land. This interested the author and they together mined out historical chronicles to get into the root of the issue (P. Naraharl and Pervin Jahangir2008).This magazine covers all the aspects viz. Social, political, cultural and academic life of communities residing in Mhow since its existence. Hindu god lord Parshuram, Parsi community and its eminent personalities were mentioned in this .Few photographs are also included in magazine to a make it interesting and readable. (Niyati Darpan2012)This book provide a rich blend of past history, living legend and pieces from researched information .Mutiny at Mhow, Mhow fort, social life in Mhow, buildings tourist spots surrounding Mhow and regiments which were there at
40
Mhow and few rare images of Mhow etc. are incorporated in this book. (Glimpses of Mhowl986)An eminent authority on the history and culture of Mhow is an avid collector of the history of Mhow which is also being compiled in several books from time to time. He has to his credit a number of books on Mhow which lucidly narrates the captivating tale of the city. The stories in of the books are a fascinating account of small cantonment town and related history.The book possess pictures taken from varied sources. Books are exhaustic collection of those people who contributed in some or the other way in the history of this small cantonment. This is an attempt to record rich history and legacy of memorable events of yesteryears. (Denzil lobo2009) Violet Jacob was Scottish wife of a British Army Officer in India.She paints an evocative picture of India during the Raj with great vividness and humour. Violet recorded her experience of residence from 1895-1900 in letters to her mother. It becomes a valuable historical document. It shows an abusive relationship of the ruler and the ruled. (Diaries and Letters from Indial900)Author was a soldier and diplomat in British India and Persia. He compiled material which was published as a memoir of central India. It was publishedin two volumes ini 882 as report of the province of Malwa and adjoining districts later as a memoir of central India including Malwa and Adjoining provinces in 1823. The book contains the collection of facts, illustration of the genuine history and character of the natives of central India.lt is a fascinating account of British imperial relations with the princely states. The author provided map of central India which was entirely composed from original and authentic materials (John Malcolml823). Transferring of responsibility to local bodies without examining their economic base and resource raising capacity would have serious socio-economic impact. Empowering the ward committees to decide about the level and quality of a few services may have disastrous consequences. (Amitabh Kundul999) It is analyzed that municipal bodies would have to position themselves to raise recourses from the capital market. The overall trend in the economy only serves to underscore this need. The study emphasized the role of local self Government. (Himmat Singh2001)Author suggests that regular citizen report cards system at the regular interval to improve the status of municipal services, transparency and accountability of the local governments in these towns. The present paper review the existing scenario of the urban governance in the small and medium towns of India with 41
reference to citizen participation and urban reforms under Jawaharlal Nehru National urban renewal mission .Author has provided suggestion to overcome the problem (Satpal Singh2011).The paper attempts to prescribe the outlines of a model after tracing a history of the developments of the Cantonments, the legal lacunae, the necessity for reforms in the constitutional context and prescribe a local selfgovernment model in the plan sector where fund flow may not be restricted, with an administrative structure which will give full scope for decentralization, devolution and development with optimal and adequate safeguards for the health, welfare and discipline of the army. Author suggests that democratic administration of cantonment towns should be allowed. (Shri R. Srinivasan2001) This paper examines how for the constitutional provisions have helped urban local bodies in perceiving and improving their role and responsibility. Author has observed that Madhya Pradesh has taken pioneering
initiatives
for
decentralization
and
good
governance,
through
empowerment of local bodies, facilitating community participation and increased citizen awareness. (Arum K. Singh2009)Ward level composite facility indices have been examined of Durgapur Municipal Corporation, Lorenz Curve and Giniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coefficient have also been worked out to assess spatial inequality in distribution of urban amenities. Author has found that there is no uniformity in distribution of urban facilities and available facilities are mostly concentrated in the city centre and its surrounding areas (Rituparna Ghosh2010). This book will serve as a repository of information as well as a handy guide book for a heritage tour of Meerut cantonment and preserve the heritage better and also describes the history of a British cantonment which has unique place in history of India in general and the Indian army in particular.Itdescribes important landmark of the cantonment and its vicinity. Since, the Meerut region has very vibrant martial past all the gallantry award winners of the region have been mentioned at the end of the book, as a mark of respect to these great soldier. (Colonel Arunharan 2013)The cantonment towns are a discrete group of urban places have been left behind in the overall process of socio -economic development and urbanization during the post independence period. Thus author has examined the attributes of cantonment town and the problem associated with such towns. (K.D. Sharmal993)This paper explains the mosquito menace in cantonments and shipyards of America. Various reasons which causes malaria and to prevent that control measures were instituted many 42
officer were entrusted of duty to control mosquito production within the military cantonment and make camp life pleasant for sailors and soldiers. (J. A. Le prince!919) This program meets urgent national needs by outlining health activities which are practicable which may be accomplished and which will yield the maximum result in protecting the health and conserving the man power of the nation. Measures are for communities congested by the establishment of cantonments or of war industries and which fall below minimum health standards. (Public health reports 1896-1970)The intensive extra cantonment sanitation has been made possible on account of the war, which has justified the expenditure of more money than the local communities could be expected to contribute, one indirect result of our efforts will be the advancement of health education those people who have experienced the comfort and satisfaction derived from good sanitation and the feeling of security afforded by a well -equipped health department, that deals promptly and vigorously with all communicable diseases. (S.B. Grubbsl918)This article also deals the sanitation works in extra cantonment zone. Various measures have been adopted to secure a good sanitation for the residents. Growth of population also presents a problem which requires a great deal of time. Lack of a general public health conditions and the absence of knowledge in community resulted in maintenance of a rigid control measures for the adoption of prevention of spread of communicable diseases. (J.A. Watkinsl917)A
study has been undertaken on functional and structural
transformation of a Class I Cantonment i.e. Secunderabad cantonment. Residents of these areas were agitating for considerable time to release the restrictions imposed by the cantonment authorities on the use of land. The study refers to the functional transformation that is taking place in the wake of the building relaxation act of 1970 and for understanding the implications of this change. Finally it can be conclude that because relaxing of the present security restriction various positive developmental changes have been witnessed by the residents. (Dr. K.V Reddyl984)Author attempts to investigate the reason for deserting a cantonment town called Burgwin in New Mexico by Army. Poor infrastructural facilities resulted in leaving this place. This cantonment has become extremely dangerous and unsafe either man or beast cannot reside here. It faces twin problem, one of isolation and other by drunkards. Lack of proper accommodation forced army to officially evacuate the cantonment. High rate of desertion and frequent drunkenness among both officer and man caused constant
43
concern. (Lawrence R. Murphyl973)Writer of the book enlights about the growth, development and present state of cantonments in the country. This book is very comprehensive, informative and readable account of cantonments in India. Evolution and growth of cantonments were studied in this volume. The book traces the beginning and growth of cantonment in India, during the days of the East India Company, also deals with the importance of the institution in the defense set up of post independence India. (T. Jacob 1994) Authors attempted to study problems of management and disposal of urban solid waste in Lucknow city, and the impact of the wastes on the diseases that arise and health of the population in the city. (Singh Onkar and Srivastava, Neena 1999)The present paper analyses the traffic problem of Jammu city and some suggestions are given to overcome this problem. The failure of public transport system has led to phenomenal increase in number of private vehicles and two wheelers. (Rakesh Jasrotier2011)The study aims to focus on environmental problems which are faced by residents of Varanasi metropolis and also their adverse impact on human welfare with a comparative glimpse of such issues in four mega cities of India. Environmental education and training programmes need to be initiated by government agencies in order to promote awareness among citizens so as to make the environment of city clean and pollution free. (K.K. Dube and C.S. Kumar 1997)The researcher has made effort to investigate the practices carried out for solid waste management in Mhow cantonments. She observed that sufficient arrangement is not done by the concerned authority. Hence there is an urgent need to develop efficient land filling practices for disposal of solid waste. Based on the situation analysis of the existing system and projected scenario for the future issues have been identified and prioritized. Cantonment Board Mhow needs to pay more heeds towards this issue. (Kamaljeet kaur gill 2007-2008)Researcher evaluates the scarcity of potable water in Agra district. It was observed that water shortage is severe in the towns of Agra and contamination is high and wastage of water is done. Through government initiatives problem of inadequacy of water has been overcome by adopting various measures.(Prabha Kumari2002) Pakistan has experienced rapid population growth since the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owing to a decline in death rates. Urban employment, the unsustainability of intense agrarian production in fragile rural areas and downstream impacts of their ecological deterioration on the irrigated plains; a 44
carefully channelled urbanization is essential for meeting the aspiration of a growing population for sustainable development (Sayed Ayub Qutub 1992).Paper examines the degree to which the implications of small urban size produce inconvenience and dissatisfaction for the firms and residents of two such towns, thetford and Haverechill in East Anglia. Problems arising from small urban size in the present study relates particularly to employment and to the level of amenities that the town can support. (Malcolm J. Moseley1973)The major factors contributing to the pollution in Delhi are the ever-increasing population in Delhi. Since 1971 to 1991 it has increased four times, mainly due to inter-urban migration and rural urban migration. The maximum pollution generated is due to two and three wheelers.
(Sharma, Poonam
1999)Guwahati has been facing the problem of increased discharge and reduced ground water infiltration in the recent years. The population and the built up area have increased from 1911 to 1991. The study recommends building of a large number of storm water drains. Methods for proper treatment and prevention of pollution of water bodies must be carried out (Kar Manik 1997).The present study analyses the impact of the solid waste on the environment and health of the people. The environmental impact assessment is an activity designed to identify and predict the impact on health and well being of legislative proposals, policies, and programs (Priya, T.M. Meera N. and Soundram, S.V. 1999). The study points towards the poor state of drainage conditions of Aligarh city. Water logging problem in Aligarh City is very acute because of saucepan shaped topography of district and city lies exactly in the centre of this depression. (Singh, Abba Lakshmi and Rehman, Atiqur 1998)The physical landscape of Nagpur has been studied for the purpose of integrated planning. The author points out that residential development and industrialization are taking away fertile agricultural and forest land leading to misuse of land and water thus necessitating a judicious integrated plan for the development of Nagpur metropolitan area (R.M. Pofalil990).
This study is a modest attempt to analyze the spatial
distribution, nature and problems of slums to suggest improvement there to with reference to Nagpur city .This is the study of land used in an uncontrolled manner, on the one hand and a study of social life in such areas on the other. (N.G. Jainl978)The problem faced by the Calcutta metropolis has been examined with regard to progressive deterioration of the metropolitan landscape and the strategies that have been evolved to solve them. According to author the largest and most populous city of
45
the sub-continent has now attained a super metropolitan status. Author suggested that only sustained human efforts can save the city from an impending disaster. (Bireswar Banerjeel990) The objective of the study is to understand the occupational structure of small towns especially their underlying dimension, hierarchical grouping, and the factor analysis with principal component solution is employed to small towns of Tanjore district in Tamil Nadu (S. Seetharamanl985). This paper explores the nature and facts pertaining to occupational change in Himalayan town of Kumaun. The changes in occupationshas been calculated in terms of percentages of total working population and enumerated by growth rates. The author state that the process of urbanization is getting momentum, exhibiting a marked shift in the occupational structure (R. Pantl992). Many urbangeographer studied morphology of the Indian towns. Nature and physical growth of the urban centres of the region were studied by comparing urban zone and models (Reeta Grewall991). The morphology of Chittaranjan town of West Bengal has been analysis and it reveals that inspite of the problems, development is taking place. (S Battacharjee and Taraknath Basakl970). Four geographical features viz. site, Street system, plot pattern, building fabric and impact of river has been taken to show the morphology of the town.
(Awdesh Kumar Singh
1972)Authors evaluate the morphogenesis and spatial growth pattern of the city over the last 650 years. They also explore the morphology of the city as it has evolved and transformed through different period of time and the proximate processes involved therein.(Manoj Kumar and M.S. Jaglan2009). The paper attempts to study the changes in the morphology of Himalayan Gateway town of the Kalka over the three different periods, i.e. Pre- British, British and Post -Independence periods and to see the relationship of its morphological attributes with changing functions. It is found that the major problems of the town are those of inadequate drinking water supply, lack of adequate sewage disposals facilities and traffic congestion (D. Kishore and H. Singhl994) .The present study deals with the urban morphology and ecological set up of Ananthapur town.In spite of isolation and inaccessibility there is a slow transformation in the area. A smooth transition in demographic and cultural patterns is emerging (Ramanaiahy, V. Bheemanna, k. and Chendrayudu, A1996). From above discussion it can be concluded that as such much work has been 46
done in the areas related to growth and development of towns, cities and urban centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, hierarchy, morphology, problems, structural and functional transformation but very few work is focused especially on Cantonment towns. The work in this field is negligible or in other words we can say that there is dearth of literature. Hence the present study has been undertaken to overcome the gap in literature.
1.8
OBJECTIVES The objectives of the proposed study are to:
1.
Analyze the site, situation, history and growth of Mhow town, together with its peripheral colonies;
2.
Describe its present morphology, demography, economy, social structure and the nature of its commuting population;
3.
Analyze the changes in the basic economy and social structure, as compared to the basic purpose for which the town was initially settled;
4.
Bring out the overall and specific area wise problems and the impediments to its growth and development; and
5.
Build a future vision, based on the above study.
1.9
HYPOTHESIS AND VARIABLES The general hypothesis of the proposed study is that due to the proximity of a
metropolitan city of Indore and the newly developed industrial centre of Pithampur, the civil population of the cantonment town Mhow has overgrown many times as compared to its capacity and its socio- economic structure has transformed, and therefore, many problems have crept in due to the restrictions posed under the cantonment act. The basic design of the study is, however, inductive. As such, a number of variables related to growth, development and problems will be collected from the field. These will be analyzed in the historical context to work out the changes which the town has undergone, as compared to the purpose for which it was settled.
47
1.10 METHODOLOGY The study is carried out to understand the impediments on the way of growth and development of a cantonment town, its socio-economic set up and the problems arising out of congestion and unplanned growth of the town. The present study comes under the domain of exploratory research. The researcher is the resident of the Mhow town and she herself faces the problem. Hence this study is undertaken to study in detail the problems of the residents and impediment to its growth and development.
Area of study: The cantonment town of Mhow, situated 21 km from Indore city, towards Mumbai, is the area of this study. It is on the southern comer of Malwa plateau at 22° 33’ North and 75° 46’ East.
Unit of Study: Ward has been chosen as unit of study. The town is divided into eight wards.
Source of Data: The proposed study is based on the secondary sources, like census, cantonment board records, and historical sources and from various state and central government offices. Primary information is collected through observation charts; directional discussion with selected groups and persons and also through structured schedules canvassed among respondents selected purposively, to assess the nature of problems faced.Data for demographic attributes has been taken from various volumes of census of India. To find out the birth and death data of Mhow cantonment estimated data of cantonment board has been taken. Map of study area is procured from cantonment board Mhow.
Secondary sources of data: The secondary data has been collected from both published and unpublished sourses: 1.
Census
2.
Cantonment Board Records
3.
Toposheet 46— 14
4.
Books 48
5.
Magazines
6.
Newspapers
7.
Research Journals
8.
Websites
9.
Google Map
Primary Sources of Data: Three types of statistical tools are used: 1.
Observational Charts,
2.
Directional Discussion Schedule and
3.
Pre Coded Interview Schedules.
Sampling and the Tools: Since the problem mainly aims to record the ground situation and the nature of problems faced by the people hence does not require estimates from sample, no elaborate sampling procedure has been planned; rather respondents has been selected purposively, depending upon problem areas and the groups who face specific problems. For the collection of primary data based on schedule and observation charts, purposive sampling technique has been used.Total hundred respondant has been selected for the field study. Fifty percent respondents were above fifty years of age and fifty percent belongs to twenty to fifty age group.All religion, sex, caste, creed, class and ward people were surveyed. To know the economy of the town 15 shops have been selected. 150 family and 75 worker chosen for the survey. Pre Coded Interview Schedules has been constructed for the collection of information on religion, caste,occupation, educational status of the family, commuters and problems of the residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s etc.Thus survey is conducted to gather data from the field.
Statistical Technique: For the analysis of demographic data different Statistical techniques has been used.They are as follows:
49
Growth of Population: Growth Rate =
Current Year - Base Year
...
------ bSJyS------ xl0° 10
Schedule Caste Population: o i. j i ^ . r, w Wardwise Schedule Caste Population ,.. Schedule Caste Population =----------------------------------- -- ---------x 100 Total Population Literacy Rate: Literacy has been calculated by using two formula. One which is used by Cencus of India till 1981 and other one by excluding (0-6) population from the total population since 1991. Literacy Rate = Number of 1Literate Population x 100 Total Population
Literacy Rate =
_____ Number of Literate Population_____ xlOO Total Ward Wise Pop - (0-6) Age Group
Sex Ratio: Sex Ratio =
Total Number of Female x 1000 Total Number of Male
Density: Density =
Total Population Total Area
Total Male Worker: T, 10, t , Total Male Worker Total Male Worker =--------- --------------------xlOO Total Male Population
Agricultural labourer: Agricultural Labourer = Agricultural Labourer ^ ^ ^ Total Worker Cultivator: â&#x20AC;&#x17E; ,. Total Cultivator Cultivators =---------------------xlOO Total Worker 50
Size of Family: „. Total Population Size of Family =---------------------------------Total Household Population Birth Rate: R1
CBR=—xlOOO P Where, B1 stands for live births during a year. P stands for the estimated mid year population. Connectivity: It may be defined as the degree to which nodes of a network are directly connected to each other. It is mainly useful for public transport system. Following index are used to find out connectivity. •
Alpha (a) Index =a = T— e -V +P-----[V(V-l)/2]-V-l Where e = Number of edge or routes V = Number of Centres & P = Number of unconnected graphs
•
Beta (/?) Index = p =
•
Gamma (v ) Index =v = ■=-------------[V(V-l)/2]
•
Connectivity Index =C.I.=----------2 n(n-l) Where, e= Edge (Route or Link) n= Maximum Number of Links possible.
Index Below .5
=
Low 51
.5-.75
=
Low Medium
.75-.99
=
High Medium
Above 1
=
High
Connectivity of Mhow to Indore: v
=
4
<2
=
6
a
=
1.0
P
=
1.5
y
=
1.0
Connectivity of Mhow to Pithampur: v
=
4
e
=
5
a
=
0.67
P
=
1.25
y
=
0.83
The connectivity ratio between Mhow and Indore is high whereas between Mhow and Pithampur is high medium. â&#x20AC;˘
Gravity Model: In 1909 WJ. Reilly postulated that the movement of persons between two
urban centres would be proportional to the square of distance between them. Gravity model is applied to show the commuting pattern of Mhow cantonment. Accordingly, the index of migration can be expressed as under: PP MI = K^d2 Where, MI is the Migration Index, K is the proportionality constant, PI is the population size of settlement I and P2 is the population size of settlement 2 and d is the distance between the two settlements. 52
r Cartographic Technique: To show the trend of various demographic, social and economic characteristics of Mhow cantonment, line graph, simple bar graph and comparative bar graph has been used. The categorization of data for mapping has been carried out by using quartile and arbitrary methods.Choropleth technique has been used for presentation of spatial distribution. Average
Quartile
- Yx
x = ------
Qx =
02
n +1 T~
3(« + l) 4
~~
1.11
LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
•
Very few study has been undertaken on cantonment towns in India because data and information is not easily accessible and chances of getting information is negligible hence scanty work is done .Following are the few limitations of the present study:
•
Ward wise data of birth and death was not available due to poor maintenance of records in cantonment office.
•
Data on commuting population of Mhow cantonment is not available anywhere. No record is found in any government office as to how much daily commute to various places from Mhow.
•
Religious data of many years and also ward wise is not available.
•
1951 census data has been excluded due to presence of thirty wards. Before 1951 there was no division of wards. Data also creates confusion in its handling hence it is omitted. Therefore to present changing pattern 1961 has been considered as base year instead of 1951.
53
â&#x20AC;˘
There is paucity of available literature on cantonment towns in India .Inspite of the visits made to reputed libraries of India, very few work centered on cantonment towns,
â&#x20AC;˘
If there is some lacuna in this work, they are mainly due to the fact that the concerned archives and offices have not bothered to keep their old records in proper order and hence were unable to provide valuable source material in spite of the best efforts of the researcher.
â&#x20AC;˘
District census handbook of Indore District 2011 is not available. Hence some of the data related to town has not been procured.
54
CHAPTER: 2 SITE, SITUATION AND GROWTH OF MHOW TOWN
55
CHAPTER: 2 SITE, SITUATION AND GROWTH OF MHOW TOWN
2.1
HISTORY OF MHOW TOWN The History of Mhow Cantonment starts with Sir John Malcolm who founded
this cantonment in 1818, in 1817, when the British defeated the Marathas and came to the boundaries of the holkar state the treaty of Mandsaur was signed in 1818. Article VII is very clear that Mhow which was ultimately chosen as a place for deposit of stores by the British was not part of any area ceded to the British, and continued to be Holkar territory.lt remained his headquarters till 1821 while he held general political and military charge in Central India. Mhow was a suitable place from the point of view of the Britishers hence they acquired this land from Holkars. Mhow was surrounded by many empires like Holkars of Indore, powers of Dhar, Sindhias of Gwalior’s and powars of Badwani this place was strategically important to keep watch on these kings. Hence they decided to shift their cantonment from Mandaleshwar to Mhow. During this period the Mhow Cantonment mushroomed in a big way and became a strong point and nucleus of British activities in Central India. Mhow is a tribute to the British raj. It has its roots in the raj and the Indian army has gratefully taken over the facilities left back by the British and put them to good use. The Maratha period of Malwa history forms the subject of Sir John Malcolm’s “Central India’Mt has a rich history, which can be traced even before the establishment of Mhow Cantonment in 1818.Mhow was a part of the territory of the State of Indore and was ruled by the Holkars. Briefly the Marathas gained a permanent footing in Malwa about 1743 when the Peshwa was made deputy governor of this “Suba”. By decree the whole region fell to the Martha generals i.e. Holkar of Indore, Sindia’s of Gwalior and panwars of Dhar and Dewas. In the middle of 18th century, the British appeared as actors on this scene and Malwa from 1780 onwards, for about a quarter of a century, was a vast battle-, field where Marathas, Mohamedans and Europeans struggled incessantly.
56
The British came to Mhow after the third Maratha war where Holkar and his allies were defeated by the British under Sir Thomas Hislop in the battle of Mahidpur in 1817.According to Treaty -Peace being established with the Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar, The Company’s government agree, that it will not permit any state or any freebooter to be unpunished that shall commit any outrage or hostility against the territories of the Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar, the Maharaja agreeing on such occasion to lend his utmost assistance by the employment of his troops, or in any other manner as may be requisite and British Government will, at all times, extend the same protection Ro the territories of Malhar Rao Holkar as to its own.” The treaty of Mandsaur followed and the Holkars were compelled to shift their capital to Indore from Maheshwar while the British were allowed to set up a garrison at Mhow. Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar cedes to the British Government all his territories and claims of every description whatever within and south of the Satpura range of hills, including the fort of Sendhwa, with a glacis of two thousand yards. In consideration of the cessions made by this treaty, the British Government binds itself to support a field force to maintain the internal tranquillity of the territories of Malhar Rao Holkar, and to defend them from foreign enemies. This force shall be of such strength as shall be judge adequate to the object.lt shall be stationed where the British Government determines to be best, and the Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar agrees to grant some place of security as a deposit for stores.” The British Government thereafter determined that Mhow was the best and then started to clear the rich jungles (there has been an instance of, a tiger sitting in a school hall as late as the 1940s) near Mhow Gaon, to set up the cantonment of Mhow in the year 1818.It is also very clear that Mhow is north of the Satpura Hills and was in no way ceded to the British.The cantonments of Jeswant Rao near Mhow extended over nearly the same ground which the British lines now occupy. The cantonment is now the headquarters of the Mhow division in the Western Command. Mhow was always an important British cantonment and serviced the entire central India. The fifth division of the southern army was stationed at Mhow during the days of the Raj.
57
Map No.: 2.1
Location of Mhow in Central India
Source: A Memoir of Central India Malwa And Adjoining Provinces 1823 Major Gen. Sir John Malcolm London John Munay Albemarle Street
58
The Treaty of Mandsaur also provided for initiatives by the British forces to take action as deemed appropriated to ensure that there was no strife in the Holkar domain as also to defend it from aggression. Mhow was identified as the ideal location for stationing such forces; in fact Maharaja Yashwant Rao also suggested it because he too had maintained some of his troops at Bargonda, close to Mhow. The cantonment at Mhow thus came to be established; it was done so by Sir John Malcolm. Mhow remained his headquarters till 1821, the period up to which he exercised overall, including military command of Central India. After establishing their camps with the facilities already available, they gradually started increasing and constructing their own infrastructure in course of time and finally declared Mhow as a cantonment in 1835 about 17 years after they first came to settle in 1818. The existence of an infrastructure of a private civil population comprising of tradesmen shop-keepers, retail vendors contractors domestics smithies carpenters doctors, veterinarians syces, and providers of amusements etc. to service them .These civilians obviously lived in houses or properties either belonging to them or rented, which indicated the existence of private ownership of property including land. The Bengal Army was stationed in Mhow in 1835 under the above-referred Treaty. The second crucial thing to note is that even though the Bengal army was posted in Mhow, the Mhow Cantonment fell into the Presidency of Bombay. The Presidency of Bombay included: ‘Barvai, Barwani, Bhopal, Dewas, Dhar, Indore the whole state, excepting the district of Alampur, Jaora’ and so on and on. In the Presidency of Bengal, one sees a long list starting with Ajaigarh and ending with “Holkars district of Alampur”. Mhow Cantonment has legal status which is different from other Cantonments in the country. At no stages was the area of Mhow ceded to the British. It became part of the rest of India after the accession of the State to the Dominion of India - it became part of Madhya Bharat which later became Madhya Pradesh. This Legal position remains unchanged today. It is therefore put up that these aspects be kept in mind while deciding the future of Mhow Cantonment and its people. (P. Narahari and Pervin Jahangir 2008)
59
There is a small Fort, most of it underground, built in 1821 by the British, to control the area then known as Rajjputana and also the Neemuch Road, right up to Bombay.Itwas constructed to house, stores and ammunition in an area of ten acres; the fort still stands. It later served as a base for operations and arsenal under the Ordnance Department, which were subsequently shifted to Khadki on 24th September 1907. The Mhow fort thereafter served as a defence post for the scheme of internal defence. In the early days of the British rule, even when there were no wars, “big army camps were established at places of strategic importance, which were converted into cantonments in course of time. The transformation from army camps to cantonments was gradual .This is exactly what evidently happened in the case of Mhow, under clause VII of the treaty of Mandsaur, the British chose the site of mow to settle their troops for the following reasons a)
It was strategically important from the geographic point of view, being on the route from the Rajjputana states via jaum (Maheshwar) and along the old route to Bombay.
b)
It also straddled the life-line route between Maheshwar, the former capital and Indore the new capital of the holker’s and the most important city of Malwa.
c)
It was on a height with a salubrious climate almost the whole year through which greatly suited the British. And last, but not the least it had the facilities of an already established army camps or cantonments which the holker’s troops were using before they arrived and hence, with the minimum of modifications, they had things ready for them. With a 13000 civilian population available to them to provide all the services they required, along with basic facilities for healthy and hygiene. Mhow was a typical cantonment with a tropical climate infested with malaria,
cholera which took its toll. The Britishers lived in this cantonment against all odds and in the protection of Holkars of Indore. Next forty years were uneventful till the Revolt in 1857. Colonel John Platt was the Station Commander, Mhow and he was apprised of the mutinous dispositions of the Indian troops. The news of the uprising at Neemuch was able to reach Mhow on 6th June 1857 and provided the Indian troops the 60
necessary impetus. Colonel John Platt along with some other British officers was killed. Siege to the Mhow fort was laid, but reinforcements arrived and the rebellion was curbed. The flames of first War of Independence reached Mhow on the evening of 1st Jul 1857. The troops broke into revolt at Mhow Before the outbreak of the Mutiny, Captain Hungerford Commanding the Horse Battery at Mhow, requested Col John Platt, Commanding the Station, to permit him to dismount and disable the heavy guns in the fort, and to replace the Native Fort Guard with a British Guard. Col John Platt acceded to the former request but not to the latter. Col John Platt (Station Commander Mhow Cantonment) of 23 Regiment Bengal Native Infantry, Lt FW Brodie, Commandant 23 Bengal Native Infantry, Lt CJ Hunt Adjutant of 14 Bengal light Cavalry, Major Harris and Capt Fagan and a few soldiers were killed in the uprising. The British which managed to escape rushed for refuge in Mhow fort, the last bastion. This included women and children Captain Brooks and Lieutenants Martin and Chapman who were on foot, were pursued by the sepoys with a few hundred yards of the fort, and were â&#x20AC;&#x153;drawn over the walls of the bastionsâ&#x20AC;?. Mhow remained throughout, the only station in the Central India which was never abandoned. Later, the Mhow fort served as a base for operations and an arsenal under the ordnance Department, The Garrison at Mhow rose to be the strongest in Central India. After restoring law and order in 1857, the British started rebuilding their image and spreading their influence in central India. After World War-I, Mhow ceased to be a headquarter for the British war effort, around which a small township grew in order to cater to the various requirements of the large garrison there. Gradually, scores of regiments which came to Mhow, contributed to the progress and culture of Mhow. Most of them had a calm innings in the cantonment.
61
Table no. 2.1 List of Army Regiments in Mhow (1840-1948) Sr. No.
Year
Unit/Establishment
1
1840
2 Native Cavalry
2
1843
26 Bombay Native Infantry
3
1857
4 Scindhia’s Contingent, 23 Bengal Native Infantry 14 Bombay Native Infantry, The Bengal Artillery, 14 Light Dragoons,25 Native Infantry
4
1858
5 Madras Cavalry
5
1859
19 Bombay Native Infantry, 92 Highlanders
6
1860
17 Bombay Native Infantry, 23 Bombay Native Infantry,Bombay Artillery, Dragoon Guards
7
1861
72 Highlanders, Malwa Division Army, Bombay Rifles, 6 Inniskilling Dragoons
8
1863
6 Dragoons
9
1864-65
45 Foot, 103 Foot, 28 Foot
10
1866
Royal Engineers
11
1867
11 Hussars, 95 Foot
12
1868
Dragoon Guards, 2 Dragoons, 95 Royal Artillery
13
1869
8 King’s Regiment
14
1870
15 Hussars
15
1873
Royal Horse Artillery, 3 King’s Own (Hussars) 49 Royal Artillery
16
1875
68 Light Infantry (Hussars)
17
1876
108 Royal Artillery, 2/17 Royal Artillery
18
1881
5/11 Royal Artillery
62
Sr. No.
Year
Unit/Establishment
19
1882
2 Lancashire Fusiliers
20
1883
17 Lancers
21
1884
7 Dragoon Guards
22
1888-89
5 Royal Irish Lancers
23
1890
17 Hussars
24
1892
7 Hussars, 2 Durham Light Infantry, Royal Horse Artillery
25
1895-98
Brecknockshire Battalion, 20 Hussars,The Royal Fusiliers
26
1902
11 Yorkshire Lancers, 10 Royal Hussars
27
1904
104 Bengal Native Infantry, Yorkshire Regiment 6 Dragoons, Royal Horse Artillery
28
1907
2 East Surrey Regiment
29
1911
East Lancashire Regiment, 14 King’s Hussars
30
1913
5 (Northumberland) Fusiliers, HQ 5 Mhow Division
31
1914
125 Napier’s Regiment, 124 Rajputana Regiment The Hampshire Regiment, 14 Kings Hussars
32
1915-19
1 Brecknockshire Battalion, 104 Rajputana Rifles Durham Light Infantry, 102 King Edward’s Own Grenadiers,! South Wales Borderers, 13 Hussars 128 Outram Rifles (4th Rajputana Rifles)
33
1920
3 King’s Royal Rifles, 3/60 Rifles,? Queen’s Own Hussars 107 Battery, Royal Field Artillery, 100 Battery, Royal Field Artillery, South Wales Borderers,3 KK RC
35
1923
3 Prince of Wales, 2 Bedfordshire Battalion, 13 Pack Battery, Battery Royal Artillery
36
1926
2 Battalion West Yorkshire, Regiment
37
1931
1 Bedfordshire Regiment, 16 Field Bengal Artillery
63
Unit/Establishment
Sr. No.
Year
38
1933
8 Field Bengal Artillery, 28 Field Artillery
39
1934
1 Battalion Gloucestershire, Regiment, 28 Foot, 6 Bengal Cavalry
40
1936
3/6 Rajputana Rifles, 2 Suffolk Regiment,77 Field Battery
41
1940
3/57 Field Battery Royal Artillery, 52 Light Infantry 25 Field Artillery, Officer’s Training School
42
1941
Signals’ School
43
1944
2/19 Hyderabad Royal Artillery, Detachment of the Intelligence Corps Burma Armed Forces (BAF)
44
1945
1 Northampton shire Regiment Burma Intelligence Corps Royal Indian Army Service Corps, Army Physical Training Corps
45
1946
Infantry School
46
1948
5 Royal Maratha Light Infantry72 Highlanders
Source- Published in Mhow Diary on July 12 2007; Free Press, Indore edition by Dev Kumar Vasudevanwebblog. 1948
-
Onwards the Infantry School.
1971
-
The Infantry School, the College of Combat and Military College of Telecommunications Engineering
The surroundings of Mhow are suitable for training of troops in semi mountainous and jungle warfare. The allied troops were trained in this Cantonment before they were inducted into Burma. The Vindhayachals presented a replica of terrain in Burma. Out of Mhow along Simrole road, on the left there is a hill, this was the area where “Jungle Traps Training” was imparted to the troops being trained for these operations. Prisoners of war camps were also established tokeep under captivity thousands of Italians and a sprinkling of German prisoners who were taken captive in North Africa and Eritrea in 1941. There were two PW camps. Italian PWs were kept here. During this period, 64
there was an, expansion of Indian Army and the number of living barracks for the troops mushroomed i.e. Malcolm Lines, Durand Lines, Veterinary Hospital (VH) Lines
and
the
living
barracks
seen
around
present
Military
College
of
Telecommunication engineering complex. Many prominent personalities, including Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, the Tory Prime Minister of wartime British Empire and Doctor B.R. Ambedkar, one of the main architects of Indian Constitution, have been associated with Mhow. Sir Winston Churchill was here as a Subaltern during the early part of the century. Doctor Ambedkar was bom in Mhow, when his father, a junior Commissioned Officer in the British Indian Army, was posted there. The period of World War II witnessed considerable expansion of the infrastructure at Mhow, notable being the setting up of the officers ‘Training School in 1940 and the Signals’ School in 1941. While the officers’ Training School functioned till 1946, the Signals’ School continued to expand and has since graduated to become the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering of today. Consequent to the winding up of the officers’ Training School, seven establishments were amalgamated and on 1st July 1946, the Infantry School came into existence. After Second World War Cantonment was cluttered with troops which were thrown out of Burma by the Japanese Army and were brought here for rest and intensive training for counter offensive in Burma. Prisoners of war camps were also established in this Cantonment. Mhow is that special town where the last surviving officers of the erstwhile Holkar Army of the Princely State of Indore live. They are Lt. Colonels K. R. Ponde and Onkar Singh Dikhit. There is no place in Mhow that is not suffused with history and heritage. History of Mhow is still flowing like river water.
2.2
SITE, SITUATION AND CHANGES IN ITS IMPORTANCE WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME Mhow in the territory of Indore is a British cantonment situated 15 miles
South-west of the town of Indore. It has altogether the appearance of a European town, having a church with steeple on an eminence, a spacious lecture-room, and 65
library well furnished with books, and a theatre. Old British era building still exists in Mhow .The cantonments are occupied by a considerable force, and the officers are sufficiently numerous to be enabled to form a society independent of external intercourse. Mhow was and continues to remain a mosaic of gardens and greens. Broad avenues, punctuated with large bungalows with well manicured lawns, are its hallmark. The British government established their supremacy in Malwa in 1818. They adopted the policy of maintaining permanent military stations at strategical points. This was because they wanted to terminate the political and military control of the Marathas over the states. The selected places were suitable from the view point of strategy communication and climate these places were like Mhow, Sardarpur, Neemuch, Mahidpur, Guna and Mandaleshwar.
Etymology There is total lack of unanimity on how Mhow got its name. One possible sourceof the name might be the Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) tree, which grows inprofusion in the forests around Mhow. Some articles in popular literature statethat MHOW stands for Military Headquarters of War.Sir John Malcolm spelt the name of thistown as MOW in his writings. The 1918 edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica also mentions 'MAU'.
Geographical Background of the study Area Mhow Cantonment is amidst the undulating Malwa plateau of the Vindhya ranges it is located approximately 22 kilometres from Indore, on the Agra-Mumbai Highway, which is also known as the National Highway -3 (NH-3). The town of Mhow is surrounded by Gambhir River, on an eminence one and a half mile north west of the cantonment. Elevation of cantonment above sea level is 572 m.It is on the southern comer of Malwa plateau at 22° 33’ North and 75° 46’ East. The cantonment town Mhow is surrounded by many villages and rivers.Shahda village forms the northern boundary, Gambhir river western, Sater river eastern and kodaria village located at south of the town. Besides this, in south Bargonda, east Gujarkheda and Sutarkhedi and on west Telikheda, Dhamaka, Dongergaon etc. After few years it will complete two century of its establishment.
66
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67
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.5 .2 .2
.5 2 .1
3 . 5 2 .3
3
3
Vlndhyon Range
In d o rt P to lto u
C hom bol B o tin
'
RAILWAY LINE WITH STATION,METRE GAUGE RIVER. T A N K , RE SERVED FOREST WITH B O U N O A R Y ^ r-T ^ , M—*
RAILWAY LINE WITH STATION, BROAD GAUGE. ..
M ETALLED ROAD ...........................................................
STATE HIGHWAY ...............................................................
NATIONAL HIGHWAY ..................................................
TAHSIL ................................................
A R E A ............................................................
» URBAN
BOUNDARY, DISTRICT.............................................
=r
DISTRICT INDORE
Map No.; 2.2
Total Cantonment area was re-shuffled from time to time for creating new wards. Mhow cantonment now comprises of eight wards with total area of 4200 acres, and 261 acres as civil and bazar area under its management. It is now one of the largest and important cantonments of India.
Relief Malwa is a table land with small conical table crowned hills and low ridges, watered numerous rivers and small streams. Vindhyans also form the water shed from where several rivers flow to water the plateau region. The drainage pattern of the area is not well planned. Mhow was a British cantonment in Indore State, Central India Agency. It stands on a somewhat narrow ridge of trap rock. 580 metres contour line passes from Mhow. Mhow is surrounded by Vindhayachals ranges. The ridge which falls away abruptly on the south and east, slopes away gradually on the west forming a broad plain used as a brigade parade ground. Mhow is bordered by two rivers, the Gambhir on its west and Sater to its east.
Climate The Climate in general is tropical monsoon type. Climate on the whole is healthy and elevated plateau is notable for its cool nights in the hot season. The climate is moderately hot from April to June and Maximum temperature varies from 37째 C to 40째 C. Monsoon conditions prevail from June to September. The rainfall during the period is approximately 60 centimetres out of a total rain fall of 65 centimetres in the whole year. Winter lasts from November to February and the minimum temperature varies from 11째 C to 8째 C. The Cantonment shares in the temperate climate of the plateau, having an average rainfall of 30 inches. The station is a healthy one, and till the visitation of plague of 1903, which carried off 20 percent of the population, chiefly natives had been free from all epidemics of a serious character since 1869, when a severe epidemic of cholera took place. Mhow has a salubrious climate.
Soil The soil in the town is generally black which is rich and occupies almost the whole area. It varies in depth and is usually loamy to clayey in texture. 68
Map No.: 2.3
MHOW CANTONMENT Index Map 800m Shaida
Mhow Gaon
Cs 1'
.Indore
North
To Richabardi
To Gauli Palasiya
V High way 5, Metalled Road UnmetalledRoad ■ RIVER S RAILWAY LINE ■ FORT ■ Fireing Range ■ Nala
69
Drainage The town of Mhow is situated on the east bank of Gambhir River, on an eminence one and a half miles north-west of the cantonments. Gambhir and Sater drain the town from east and west. Water is not found in these rivers as they flow in plateau area. In rainy season they have sufficient water but in month of May they flow in the form of nalla.These rivers are not used for drinking and irrigation purposes. Near Mhow there is Bercha Lake which provides water to Mhow throughout the year. But due to its limited capacity people face shortage of water during summer. Hence Narmada river water is brought to Mhow.
Accessibility Mhow is centrally located and well connected by air, road and rail from the rest of India. With its proximity to the State highway one and the construction of the Mhow bypass road, and the Mhow - Ghatabillod road, and Mhow-Simrole road the connectivity has only increased. It is also on the Agra-Bombay road, and the road to Neemuch and Ajmer. Mhow railway station was established in 1875. The Western Railway came into existence in 1951.Mhow town is on western railways Ajmerkhandwa metre gauge line.Thus Mhow cantonment is well connected by rail and road to all states and national highways. Air-port and broad gauge facility available at Indore at a distance of 22 kms.
2.3
IMPORTANCE OF ITS LOCATION WITH RESPECT TO INDORE AND PITHAMPUR
Impact of Indore on Mhow town â&#x20AC;˘
As the city grows in size, the surrounding area becomes urbanized, and the peripheries that were once completely rural in character are brought into the city fold to be recognized as suburbs and rural urban fringe. Such a change is visible with respect to Mhow cantonment and Indore city.
â&#x20AC;˘
Indore is the largest city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the River Khan and Sarawati. At an altitude of 553 m above sea level on the Malwa Plateau, this city is nearly the heart of the nation. With growing population, the city is expanding rapidly. 70
Map No. 2.4 Topo Sheet No.:46N 14
ro ro
RELIEF AND CONTOUR MAP R.F. 1:50,000
35'
DharNaka Dhar 51 Km
Berchha 5 Km
to
ro
eOOKm
o. rioâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 71
•
Indore is the economic and commercial centre of the Malwa region and the central state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of the Indore District and Indore Division. As Madhya Pradesh geographically represents the heart of India, Indore is in all senses the heart of Madhya Pradesh.
•
Indore is the commercial capital of the state and a hub for all major business activities in the western part of Madhya Pradesh. The region consists of seven districts viz. Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Dhar and Jhabua. The region is relatively more urbanized and industrialized as compared to other regions of the state. Out of seven districts, the three urban center i.e. Indore, Dewas and Ujjain, which are located in a triangular manner in close proximity to each other, are more urbanized.
•
The city of Indore is having direct linkages with the Mumbai, Bhopal, and Delhi etc. Indore is located midway on the 1000 km long Mumbai Agra National Highway - NH-3. Also it is connected by rail to all Metros. Mhow town depend on Indore for medical services.
•
Many international level hospitals are located in Indore. Approximately 75 percent residents of Mhow get treatment from these hospitals.
•
Home to a range of colleges and schools, Indore has a large number of educational centres. Most primary and secondary schools in Indore are affiliated with the CBSE, however, a number of schools have affiliation with ICSE board, NIOS board and the state level M.P. Board. Devi Ahilya Vishvavidyalaya (DAVY) is the major and oldest university of Indore, offering courses in more than 20 fields ranging from law to pharmacy to management at both graduate and postgraduate level
•
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, one of the oldest medical colleges in country offers varied range of courses in medical sciences. Having both Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Indore makes it the only city in the country to have both of these institutions. About twenty five percent students come to attend schools and colleges of Indore.
72
i
Indore serves Mhow from many ways. It provides ample opportunity for growth and development of the person. There is abundant scope for employment opportunity. There is an availability of international repute colleges and university. Students of Mhow get admission to these colleges. A modem medical facility also benefits the nearby towns and cities. Due to proximity to this city people of Mhow a avail facilities provided by the city
•
Before 1950 Mhow was a small village under the administration of Mhow tahsil. It was totally a rural type of area having forest domination and some agriculture land. The rapid growth of population and development of urban activities during the last 2 decades is quite significant. Today it has emerged as dormitory suburbs of the city of Indore.
•
Mhow has come up as the satellite town of Indore city. By satellite town we mean a settlement close to a larger urban centre. This type of town is strongly influenced by the larger city’s economy, i.e., economically it is an integral part of a large body although it is physically separate from it.
•
Abhivyakti Centre of Fine Arts and Performing Arts, Deolalikar Kala Vithika are also similar centers for arts and theatre.There are also various cultural clubs like Ras Bharati and Kala Abhivyakti, Who invite performers from around the globe to perform in Indore.Many artists from Mhow also perform here regularly. Yashwant Club and Sayaji Club also sponsor and invite talents from across world. Mhow people visit for enjoying dance, drama and various cultural programme.There was a time when Indorian use to come to Mhow for entertainment.
•
Indore is called the “mini Mumbai “of India and it is also town that has seen rapid growth in the last 10 years. It is an important business and industrial centre. Apart from its industrial importance Indore is the gateway to Ujjain and Omkareshwar, both have ancient Hindu temples.
•
In recent years as the state has advanced, the city of Indore has grown many folds and has more business potential to offer than any other city of similar stature in the country. Major corporate and business houses including foreign investors have already invested huge sums of money in concurrent projects going on in and around Indore. Major initiatives are being taken for attracting 73
investors to enjoy the privileges of a developing centre. •
First cotton mill in Indore established ini 871. Slowly Indore became hub of cotton textile industry. But due to lack of capital and obsolete machinery many cotton textile mills were forced to shut down. First factory to be closed down was hope textile mill in 1986. Later on kalyan mill, swadeshi mill, Indore Malwa mill, Rajkumar mill and lastly in 1991 Hukumchand mill shut down. Indore is also Madhya Pradesh biggest transhipment centre. Many small and large production units are engaged. They consist of mainly oil mill, goods manufacturing, parts of machineries, electrical equipment, goods of asbestos, RCC pipe making, pharmaceutical, readymade garments and jewellery. More than thousand pharmaceutical factories are there in Indore.
•
Some of the notable Factories in Indore are Ace Engineering’s and Chemicals Pvt. Ltd Industry, Aero Soft Corp Industry Courier, Logistics, Packaging, Transport, Ajmeri Industries Industry, Consumer Durables, Home Appliances, Armour Software Technologies Pvt. Ltd Industry.
•
A central power city, Indore exerts a significant impact upon commerce, finance,
media,
art,
fashion,
research,
technology,
education,
and
entertainment and has been described as the commercial capital of the state. Indore's financial district, anchored by central Indore, functions as the financial capital of the Madhya Pradesh and is home to the Madhya Pradesh Stock Exchange, India's third oldest stock exchange. Indore's real estate market is among the most expensive in the state. Numerous colleges and universities are located in Indore, including IIM Indore and IIT Indore. Major portion of town population depends on Indore for employment.Nearly 50 percent inhabitants of Mhow daily up down for work in various factories of Indore.Due to proximity to Indore Mhow is developing rapidly in all respect.
Importance of Mhow with respect to Pithampur •
Pithampur Asia’s biggest industrial estate is a town in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Pithampur is located at a distance of about 22 km from Indore via Rau and is 8 kilometres from Mhow, which is another suburb of Indore. Pithampur; referred to as Detroit of India due to heavy concentration of Automobile Industry. 74
•
Pithampur has an average elevation of about 1550 feet above mean sea level. Pithampur has a typical sub-tropical climate. As of 2011 India census, Pithampur had a population of 1, 26,099. Pithampur is located on NH79, and NH59 connecting Indore with Ahmadabad touches its fringes. There is a road from Rau to Pithampur which connects it to Indore. It is also connected to Agra-Mumbai 4 lane road which is also referred to as NH3 and also with a new route to Bombay. There are regular scheduled Mini Bus/City Bus/Private Bus services between Indore and Pithampur passing through Mhow throughout the day with a very good frequency. Also there are regular services to District Headquarter Dhar and beyond to Ratlam. Nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport at Indore which is about 19 km or 40 minutes drive from Pithampur.
•
The nearest railway stations are Mhow (8 km) and Indore. Mhow is only meter gauge railway stations with limited connectivity to nearby areas whereas Indore is a broad gauge Terminus and has good connectivity and daily connections to all metros and all major towns of country and the state. The new proposed and sanctioned railway line between Indore and Dahod will traverse the Pithampur area and will connect the region directly to Indore and Godhra-Dahod-Vadodara in Gujarat, boosting industrial development. Also Pithampur is well-known historical city in Madhya Pradesh.
•
Pithampur is a hub for the automobile manufacturing industry and in addition to major units like Kinetic Honda, Hindustan Motors and Bajaj Tempo Ltd. it has many ancillary units. Pithampur in Mhow is India’s biggest industrial area with more than 600 factories and lakhs of people from all parts of country and heavy industrial goods arrives here regularly. It is a town and a nagar Panchayat in Dhar district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is an industrial estate and a suburb of Indore.
•
Pithampur attracts a lot of migrant workers (both skilled and non skilled) from across the country. The entire industrial area is divided into 3 sectors and has areas marked for various utilities and services.
75
76
ijiIwjiu Ja'way
a ** 9
*.
GawhPalasia
Conectivity of Indore and Pithampur
Map No.: 2.5
•
Initially Pithampur was a small village. But due to Madhya Pradesh government initiative towards industrial growth in 1977 it started taking shape of a well-developed industrial area. It was establish in 1982 by including nearby villages. It has both large and small scale industries. A large number of national and international reputed companies are functioning in Pithampur. It is divided mainly in three sectors; sector-I, II and sector III. Pithampur has an industrial Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Majority of the vehicle-producing companies of India have their factories in Pithampur.
•
Pithampur is considered as a hub for the automobile manufacturing industry. Some of the major companies that have industrial units in Pithampur are Flexi tuff International Limited- Kiran Shashtri- Manager, L & T CASE Equipment, Eicher Motors, Mahindra 2 Wheelers, Caparo, Bajaj Tempo Ltd., Man Force Mahindra 2 Wheelers, Mahle Engine Components (I) Pvt. Limited, Anant Steel P. Ltd.lt has plants of Kinetic Honda, Bajaj Tempo, Eicher Motors, Hindustan Motors, Larson and Tubro etc. It has also steel plant of Pratap Steel, Kusam, Prestige and Chirag Ingots. Electronics consumer goods plants of Crompton Greaves, Kores India, Onida Saka etc. are also located here.
•
Hindustan Motors also has their power plant unit here. The construction of Asia's largest auto testing track is also sanctioned by Govt, of India. Apart from automobile industries, Pithampur is home to various other industries like food processing, chemical processing, distilleries, manufacturing, and textile industries.
•
Pithampur has a Dry Port (ICD) facility from Container Corporation India limited. This facilitates direct exports of finished goods to foreign countries with all paperwork done at Pithampur facility.
•
Industrial town, Pithampur situated near to Mhow is an emerging growth centre. With an area of more than 2000 hectares, Pithampur has 127 large and more than 600 small-scale industries. The area has been successful in attracting an investment of over Rs 73,000 million. Majority of the automotive industry have their presence in the area. The region has been lagging behind in rail connectivity.
•
Many ongoing and proposed railway projects have been developing. The hub 77
will provide facilities and services for collection, distribution, storage and transportation of goods meant for exports and imports at competitive cost and fast turnaround times. The significant presence of large, medium and small industries in the region and increasing use of containers, in international and domestic trade, make significant potential demand for such facilities and services. •
The distance between Mhow and Pithampur has reduced as more than three thousand person both male and female commutes for Pithampur from Mhow. The importance of the town is rising by every passing year as more companies are attracted to invest in many projects which are going to benefit surrounding region.
•
Pithampur population come to Mhow for shopping and avails medical facilities. More than 20,000 workers commute daily to work in factories of Pithampur. There are direct bus services between Pithampur and khargone.
•
Mhow has become crowded as the employees of factories seek residence at Mhow. They select Mhow for their home as all basic amenities are easily accessible to them. This has led to rising land value in Mhow. Many tenants have boosted the house rent in Mhow.
•
The pithampur industrial area has exerted more influence on the rising land value at Mhow.Most of the growth of Mhow cantonment is influenced by the existence of Pithampur industrial area.
2.4
GROWTH OF TOWN The growth of town depends on the availability of resources, technology, and
diversified economic base, socio-cultural values of residents and overall management of the system. Several factors, individually and jointly, are responsible for the growth and decline of small towns. Physical, locational, demographic, economic and socio cultural factors affect the growth of the town. Many small towns have a strong agricultural resource base. Their growth and sustainability depends on diversification of the economy. Lack of these forces results in decline of small towns.
78
In 2018, Mhow will be two centuries old. The time period from 1818 to 1918 marks the first hundred years of this cantonment, while that from 1918 to 2018 will complete the second century. The growth of the Mhow town has been studied in two contexts one is historical and other one geographical.First of all the historical growth of the town has been seen from old records and documents. 1817
•
Mow is a small village in the Maratha Holkar kingdom. Since a few years it has been noted that on the ridge to its east, there exists a military camp of the Holkar Army that is busy keeping out foreign invaders from this region.
•
On 21st December, the historic Battle of Mahidpur takes place between the armies of Holkar and the British East India Company. It is a fierce battle, which by 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the British win.
1818
•
On 6th January the Treaty of Mandsaur is signed. It has seventeen articles, the seventh of which gives the East India Company a place to keep its troops for the protection of Holkar. By February, the British Armies enter Malwa.
•
In April, the Brigadier General Sir John Malcolm comes for the first time to the ridge of Mow from Indore (via Harsola) A large force comprising 4000 troops is already present in Mhow.
•
It is known as the Mhow or Malwa field force. The 1st Battalion Grenadiers and 2nd Regt. Bombay light Cavalry are among the first Regiments to be stationed at this new Cantonment.
1819
•
This year British troops are uprooted from a district in Gujarat called Kheda and shifted to Mow Gaon in the Holkar State. This year a library and reading room is also established and is called the ‘Mhow Military Library’.
•
Sir John Malcolm had been keen to start an institution like this. This year the deadly thieves known as Pindaris who roam this area, are completely destroyed and their terror finally ends.
•
In the 1880s when there was an acute shortage of water, this pond called 79
‘Hathi kaKund’ found mention. 1820 •
This cantonment has become one of the main camps in the western chain of British Stations. By now the layout of the Cantonment seems to be fairly good.
•
There is a racecourse too. The Mhow racecourse is not just any racecourse, it is said to be one of the finest in India.
1821 •
There were three Native Infantry Battalions. There were the Cavalry Lines opposite which were the Stables.
•
There was a Burying Ground now known as the Old Cemetery, Parade Ground, Race Course, the Sadar or Main Bazar, and the Commissariat or surplus stores of the Cantonment.
•
They are making it to secure the ammunition, gunpowder, and similar valuable stores.
•
Besides the Fort, there is an Artillery Hospital a little ahead of the Artillery. There are three Native Infantry Battalions.
1822 •
There were a significant number of people in Mhow already by 1822. Other than troops, the cantonment had a population of 13000, Sir John Malcolm wrote
•
By 1822 there were hundreds of people in the bazaar. It is believed that the Parsis came from Gujarat with the Gujarat Field Force Some Bohras may have come in a similar manner, and also from Ujjain where they were in great numbers.
•
Many Mohammedans are also believed to have come here at this time in different services.
•
There would have been a variety of people of different trades, cultures, and languages. Some of the professions of those old times were; Bania,Teli, Mochi,Bansphore, Kalal, Sarwan, Halwai. Money - lender or Shroff, and the contractor.
•
Some of the areas in the Sadar bazaar where these communities settled down 80
would come to be known in time by their names like — Teli Gali, Kirwani Mohalla, Sarwan Mohalla, and Bhoi Mohalla. •
There must have been a great number of the Lunias because a huge area in time began to be known, and still is, as Luniyapura.
1823 •
In the Sadar bazaar of cantonment in those days, where people would go to shop for grain and cloth, they were those who saw to the law and order there, and were known as ‘chaprasis of the Sadar bazaar’
•
John Malcolm had been compiling this book in Mhow. In February 1821 he sent his ‘Report on Malwa and Adjoining Countries’ to the Governor General from Mhow.
•
It was published in 1822 as ‘Report of the province of Malwa and Adjoining Districts’, and later as ‘A Memoir of Central India; Including Malwa and adjoining provinces’ in 1823.
1824 •
It was a church - the Anglican Church of England. It was Mhow’s first church, and was perhaps the first church that was made in Malwa.
•
It is Mhow’s First church, being built on the road which will be known as the Mall Road. The Races continue to be an important sport in this cantonment.
1825 •
It happened this year when the Indore pargana (administrative unit) of the Holkar Kingdom was divided into three parganas; Indore, Mow and Hasalpur.
•
The village of Mow became the headquarters of the Mow pargana comprising many village including Palasia, and kodaria that surrounded Mhow.
1826 •
The East India Company wanted to consolidate the elusive trade of the famous ‘Malwa Opium’ which was cheaper yet had a distinct flavour.
•
This year Indore, Dhar, and dewas agree to let the British Government have an exclusive right of purchasing all opium grown in their territories. A Roman Catholic Chapel is erected in Mhow.
81
1827 •
John Malcolm returns to India as the governor of Bombay.
•
On the 27th day of March it hails so much in simrole ghat region -that officers from the cantonment who are there at the time, fill tubes with these hail stones to cool their wines.
1828 •
Mhow, as a military station, is of great importance, as the troops stationed, and the eastern frontier of Gujarat. The cantonment is supplied by stores from Bharuch in Gujarat.
•
The Mhow Races are still a famous thing. Horses from all over the world come to Mhow to participate in them.
•
A new race stand at that course is nearly finished. It is forty feet long, and stands high on a mound which is about nine feet above the level of the course.
1829 •
The market place had shops that sold an array of necessities of those bygone days.
•
The Asiatic journal mentions three Parsi merchants in the Mhow bazar who are partners of a firm: jeewanji, Dadabhoy and Rustomji. They are probably from the Appoo and Masalawala families, among the first that have come to this British Cantonment.
1830 •
Since many years now the force at Mhow consists of one Cavalry Regiment, one troop of a brigade of Horse Artillery, and three Native Infantry Regiments.
•
This year, William Henry Sleeman’s Operations have put an end to the dangerous gangs of thugs that have been roaming these areas.
1831 •
Letters that are delivered by Dak carriers who run through the jungles carrying the mail.
•
At Mhow, the Major of the Brigade is also the post master. Big changes in the military line are about to take place.
82
1832 •
Several renovations were done to buildings in the Cantonment including the Artillery Hospital, Artillery Barracks, and the Bell of Arms, the Gun shed, the Commissariat buildings, and Cavalry Stables.
•
The month of April was marked by a great epidemic of influenza prevailing in upper India. Diseases were one of the biggest problems of those times.
1833 •
It has been noted, and is quite a matter of pride, that except for Mhow, no cantonment in this Presidency has a Library which is a necessity for the young cadets who are sent from school to fill up vacancies of the Indian Army.
•
The king of Indore, Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar III, dies. This very year, Sir John Malcolm dies in England. Coincidentally, both of the deceased had been at opposite sides at the Battle of Mahidpur in 1818.
1834 •
Cholera had been prevailing for some time over the country and causing great mortality.
•
At the cantonment of Neemuch on 21st May, the day following Muharram, it attacked about sixty people in the Sadar bazaar of the station.
•
The Muslim population chiefly suffered, perhaps from the previous exposure to the weather during the Muharram.
1835 •
This is the first known accident at the ‘Great Waterfall near Mhow’ (present day patal pani).
1836 •
This year the chinch on the mall was named ‘CHRIST CHURCH’.
1837 •
At Mhow the sight of neat gardens with lines of European bungalows is quite reviving to the traveller who has come hundreds of miles from Agra and has seen too much of jungle.
•
Here in the heart of India is a pretty little Cantonment. They say Mhow is very much like Sagar as compared to any other Cantonment in India. 83
1838 •
As the station of sitapur is being abolished, the regiment from there has been sent to Mhow.
1839 •
The post- Office, which till now was attached to the office of Major of Brigade, is separated.
•
An abundance of rain is noted at the Cantonments of Mhow and Neemuch this year.
1840 •
Mhow is the only Station in the Bombay Army where Bengal Troops are serving. But the Station is being commanded by an officer of the Bombay Army Major General Brooks.
•
As the land around the Cantonment is part of Mhow pargana of the Holkar kingdom, it is gifted to the Parsis of Mhow by the Holkar Durbar for the purpose of the Tower of Silence.
1841 •
In the present distribution of the Indian Army there were no Queen’s Troops at this station, but regiments of the company’s Troops stationed here were; the 2nd Light Cavalry, the 3rd Native Infantry, the 7th Native Infantry, and 17thNative Infantry. They belonged to the Bombay Army.
•
Mhow was part of the Northern Division of the Army, the other Stations in the Division being Ahmadabad, Deesa, Baroda, Surat, Rajkot, Kutch, and Satara.
1842 •
This year, two groups of traders the Maheshwari and Marwadi Agarwal’s come together to establish a temple in the main Street. It is called ‘Gopal Mandir’.
•
It is possible that their Panchayat was established in 1839, and Gopal Mandir was built by, or in, 1842.
•
Today’s “Main Street” of the Mhow bazaar was actually the “main street” of the bazaar. In the 1940s it got divided into two - the Main Street and Sanghi Street. 84
•
However, earlier than that, and perhaps by the 1880s, it also incorporated stretches known as Bombay Bazaar, Dalia Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, and Gopal Mandir.
•
Some records going back to thel870s show in a subtle manner that the strip from Gopal Mandir towards the end of present day Sanghi Street could have been known as ‘the Grand Bazaar’.
•
This is even more interesting when we link it to present day Raja Gali which branches off from some where there. It used to be known as ‘Raja ka Bazaar’ or the king’s market in the early 1900s and before.
•
The Namolis seem to have come to the Cantonment in the 1860s if not earlier. It is not sure when the Hindonias and the Madhopuriyas settled in the Cantonment.
1843 •
These days, people go from Mhow to Bombay in palanquins which are also known as doolies. The other way, is to walk all the baggage on ponies.
1844 •
Tukoji Rao Holkar II is the king of Indore. His reign will see a lot of development in the Holkar Kingdom that lies all around Mhow.
1845 •
The Bombay- Agra road, that is being made, has not reached Mhow as yet.
1846 •
There are not many Parsis in this cantonment at this time. The Fire Temple had been made with the contributions of many Parsis.
1847 •
The Agra - Bombay Road which had started being made in 1834, has reached Indore.
•
This year the Holkar Darbar has metalled the road from Indore to Rau -the village halfway to this Cantonment, but the Road is yet to touch Mhow.
1848 •
The three western field forces; Mhow, Neemuch and Nasirabad, are to form a Command called the “Mhow Division”. 85
1849 •
The Madras Army is now going to be in this Cantonment.
•
The first Hindi and Urdu weekly ‘Malwa Akhbar’ is published at Indore and gives news of the area including Mhow.
1850 •
Somewhere around this year, huge baori has been built by a multi -millionaire
•
This baori at Mhowgaon will facilitate people to drink water when they come from all the surrounding villages in the Mhow pargana to attend the holker revenue court.
1851 •
The age of the Railway in India is about to start, but it is going to take several years for the railway to reach Mhow.
1852 •
Till the railway comes, travelling by road is the only way to move around. From Mhow to Rau, the road is very bad and ill drained, passing mostly over black soil. But from Rau to Indore, the road is very good.
•
On the other side too, that is from Mhow to Manpur, the road is not good. One of the several nallahs is so deep, that when it is filled with water, the daks are delayed.
•
There are ferries (called mails) to take one across the nallahs that surround Mhow.
1853 •
The well known American author Bayard Taylor passes Through Mhow on his way to Indore. He is visiting India, China, and Japan. He mentions is his travelogue that “Mhow is a handsome station.
•
The officers’ bungalows are surrounded by small gardens. It is considered a very healthy place of residence.”
1854 •
The post of AGG (Agent to the Governor General) has been created, and that of the Resident is merged into this post.
86
•
This is because the different Agencies in Central India have now been combined into the ‘Central India Agency’ under the Agent to the Governor General in Central India.
1855 •
This year has been significant for the Roman Catholics in Mhow who number 448.
•
Till now, they did not have a resident priest to see to their spiritual needs, but this year, they have formed a parish, and they have got their first resident priest called Fr.S. Evaristus.
•
A Roman Catholic Chapel has also been built on simrole Road.
1856 •
12 June- Both postal and telegraphic communication between Agra and Bombay has been stopped for three days near Mhow.
•
The Madras Presidency will no longer be able to supply this station with madras troops, which is why Bengal troops will soon occupy Mhow.
1857 •
This delightful station enjoys quite a European climate, and English fruits greet the eye side by side with oranges, lemons, citrons, mangoes, lecquoits, and guavas.
•
It has altogether the appearance of an English town, having a church with a steeple, on an eminence, a public library, theatre, and assembly - Rooms.
•
The cantonment at Mhow is occupied by a considerable force. The Station has lines for 7000 men.
•
It is an eventful year in India. It is the year of the 1st War of Independence, and its flames reach Mhow on the 1st of July at night.
1858 •
The Cantonment becomes a massive base for the campaign to quell the mutiny in Central India. The authority of the east India Company in India is replaced by the British Crown.
•
The opium sale that forms the most lucrative branch of Malwa trade is shifted from Indore to Mhow. A Masonic Lodge called ‘Lodge St. Paul’ starts in this cantonment. 87
1859 •
Bazaar master is an old word still used for the CEO of a Cantonment Board, (earlier called the Cantonment Magistrate of the Cantonment Authority).
•
The earliest known bazaar - master in Mhow was Captain Lester in the 1860s, after whom “Lester Road” in Mhow gets its name.
•
This is the road that goes from the present day traffic signal on the mall down to the bazaar past the Bhaya Mansion to reach Dr. Niqa Singh’s Clinic.
1860 •
A decade of important years of development in the Cantonment began. Mhow was changing now from its older days of raw military camp life under the honourable East India Company to Post Mutiny expansion under the British Government.
•
The years to follow were going to see a lot of change in the camp as well as the bazaar. New barracks would be built; the establishment of a Dispensary in the bazaar was going to be planned; and a school in Mhow was going to start soon.
•
Stables that were erected for the native cavalry were modified and altered to meet the requirement of the troops.
•
Mhow’s first tailoring shop ‘Choteylal Moolchand’ is believed to have been established somewhere around then.
•
In time it would earn the title ‘Royal Tailors’ because of its clientele - kings and nobles of the surrounding Princely States who would come to have their garments stitched in this shop in the Mhow bazaar.
1861 •
As the Mutiny has ended, now the British Army is stationed in Central India as a peace-keeping force. 19th Dec: The Inniskilling Dragoons (after seeing the end of the Mutiny) arrive at Mhow after a 17 day march from Ahmednagar. Lt Col.
•
Thomas Crawley is their Commanding Officer. The Inniskilling Dragoons cannot occupy the cavalry Barracks because the barracks are not ready. Therefore the regiment camps on the ground outside for a few days. 88
1862 •
The 6th Inniskilling Dragoons are the first to move into the newly built barracks (present day Connaught Barracks in the Infantry School).
•
This year the limits of the Mhow bazaar have been increased.
1863 •
In April this year, the Parsi Zoroastrians of Mhow raise a fund to start an English speaking school.
•
This is Mhow’s first school (present day St. Mary’s Primary School). It is called the ‘Mhow Zoroastrian School’.
1864 •
The bazaar roads are now having stones laid in them. The Cantonment Authority carries out improvements to Merwanji Rustomji Dharmshala, where a quarter is being made for the use of European and other travellers.
•
All the unhygienic wells in the Cantonment are put into a safe state. In April, a road tax is introduced.
•
All works in the cantonment are now going to be carried out by ‘contract system’.
1865 •
The ground near the cavalry barracks has been levelled. From mud floors, paved floorings are being made in many buildings. A new Artillery Hospita is to be built.
•
The roofs of the cavalry and infantry barracks are ceiled, and verandas are given as a shelter from the heart of the sun.
•
Many troops of the Royal Artillery died of Cholera while marching from Mhow to Kirkee in April.
1866 •
The European Infantry Barracks known as Wellesley barracks are built on the highest point of Mhow facing the parade ground on One Tree Hill.
•
The 6th Inniskilling Dragoons are leaving the Station. The Cavalry Regiment of the 11th Hussars will replace them.
89
1867
•
These days, the Cantonment Committee assembles for meetings at the Mess House of the Royal Artillery on the Mall. A DSP is appointed.
•
The Cantonment Magistrate is the Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Kotwal has the authority of Inspector over the Police in subordination to the Cantonment Magistrate.
•
This year the Inhabitants in the bazaar are 16326. The scarcity of water is felt in Mhow.
1868
•
As there are many chabootras (Platforms) in the bazaar that cause an inconvenience to people, the width of a chabootra in wider roads is now limited to 4 feet, and in narrower roads to 3 feet.
•
This year the ‘Mhow Zoroastrian School’ which initially had started only for Parsis, becomes a cosmopolitan School.
1869
•
A Bridge is made over the nullah in Raj Mohalla where there is a great traffic for foot passengers between infantry and artillery barracks and the Bazaar.
•
Drainage is improved by widening bridges and culverts throughout the Cantonment. There is a large influx of people in to Malwa, as the famine has worsened in Rajputana, from where people are running away.
•
They are trying out an effective mode of lighting the bazaar, and maybe kerosene burners at the will be used now.
•
The population of Mhow was 12640 this year. While there were plans to water the principal roads of the Station from 4 PM to 7 PM daily.
1870
•
This year the Maharaja of Indore lends the British Government 1 crores Rupees to make a Railway line form Khandwa via Mhow to his Princely State Indore. This line will be called the ‘Holkar State Railway’.
•
The Gokulganj Bridge
is destroyed in the floods of the 21st and 22nd June.
The Gawli Lines and other lines to the north - east of the Bazaar are being removed to the south - west of the cantonment. 90
•
The Police and Chowkidari force in Mhow is reduced from 128 to 100 as it is more than in many Cantonments. This number of police is sufficient for the protection of the place.
1871 •
The roads and drains in the bazaar have to be put in proper order.
•
The post of bazar provost is abolished. The railway line is going to going to pass through Mhow.
•
A site for the railway station has also been chosen. The map shows that the proposed line does not run through the burial ground but to its side so there is no need to shift the Mohamedans burial ground (present day kabristan).
1872 •
The population of Mhow is 12640. The main drain in the main street is opened and covered with seasoned moveable planks.
1873 •
Plans were on to make a large piece of ground to the East of the bazaar near Lalji’s Busti into a place for the accommodation of poorer inhabitants who were unable to build decent houses in the cantonment. This place came to be known as Garibpura.
•
The three places to halt in the Cantonment besides the Dharmshala were Gokulganj, Krishnapura, and kalimata - the area where the Kali Mata temple was.
•
A new road 50 feet wide was going to be made straight from the Bazaar Guard (present day Kotwali) to the road leading to the new Railway Station.
•
Till then there was no road in the cantonment that was more than 15 feet in breadth. This would be too narrow for the traffic that would arise when work on the Railway Station was finished.
•
This road would also be a means of communication from the centre of the Cantonment to the new Railway Station. This road in time was called Montgomery Road after Major General Robert Montgomery who was commanding the Station.
•
A new Dak bungalow was going to be constructed, or the present one enlarged 91
and brought up to the requirement of a Divisional Station. The Dak Bungalow at Khandwa was to be taken as a model for Mhow. •
In October it was publicly proclaimed throughout the bazaar that the ground near the Sater River near Gujarkheda was required for the cremation of Hindus and no petitions for gardens on this spot would be allowed.
1874 •
A new system of drainage is being introduced throughout the bazaar.
•
All the private wells in the Cantonment are to be thrown open to the general Public.
•
“PhoolChowk” had a lot of traffic even then, is an interesting point to know. Of course that traffic would have been all types of country carts and horse drawn carriages.
•
The bazaar roads, except for the Main Street, are all in a bad condition. Owing to the railway taking up so much ground in the cantonment, talks are on about extending the cantonment limits.
1875 •
In January this year a well was being dug near the Gymkhana Ground on the Neemuch Road. It was being made for a special purpose to procure water for watering the roads.
•
In those days there were 116 street lamps in Mhow, which were lit every night that there was no moonlight. This was done by contract. The contractor was paid Rs 117 per month for the same.
•
A fee of only 2 annas used to be levied on bands of music permitted to play throughout the bazaar.
•
The same month of February saw the 3rd Hussars coming all the way from the Cavalry Barracks to the Library well for drawing water.
•
Strangely, there was a lot of water in the newly dug well at the Gymkhana Ground.
•
A pump had arrived on 19th of February which was hard at work. There were 6 carts working to water the roads.
•
In the bazaar, the old building known as Merwanji Rustomji Dharmshala 92
which also had some shops was going to be dismantled. •
Bungalow 48 on the mall, the present day residence of the CEO of the Mhow Cantonment Board, was known in the old days as the Library Bungalow. Its old number was 98.
•
This year it seems, the Charitable Dispensary that had started in 1870, has been officially established as ‘Dorabji Pestonji’s Charitable Dispensary’
1876 •
The month of August was even more exciting because on the 13th, the first train went from Mhow to Indore.
•
Licences were granted to carriages, Tongas, and bullock carts plying for hire within the cantonment especially from and to the Rail Station. The rate of hire was also fixed. The Railway was changing everything in Mhow.
•
With the opening of the Railways a large number of people employed in the Railway started coming here. Some of them were Maharashtrians who would in time get transferred to the District Office and Loco Shed.
1877 •
A fence was made around. And all the graves repaired in the old cemetery in Sarwan Mohalla.
1878 •
On the 1st of January this year the railway line finally opened from choral to Mhow. Now that this line was opened, the entire Holkar State Railway going from Khandwa past choral and then to Mhow and Indore, was ready.
•
The line from Choral to Mhow was the most difficult to make, especially the Mhow - Kalakund to Patalpani.
•
On this track, Tunnel 2 (the third when going from Mhow to Kalakund was perhaps the most problematic.
•
From Choral, the train would stop at the station of Kalakund, where an extra engine would be attached to it to push it up the ghat to Patalpani passing the forest. The making of this track was definitely a historic achievement.
1879 •
In February, many garden owners of the cantonment entertained the hope of 93
finally being allowed to grow opium and rice in their gardens, along with Indian com and sugar cane which were the only crops allowed under the existing rules. •
In March, talks just continued on about the project for water supply to Mhow. A new road was going to be made from the New Artillery Barracks to the Amalgamated European Infantry and Royal Artillery Hospital (perhaps the present day Army School).
•
In the Bazaar the Secretary of the Native Library wanted to occupy a house on Bakery Road (present day Adhakuan Road) for a Library.
•
Today’s Adhakuan road which goes from the main street to Manak Chowk passing a well that is only half in dimension, was the actual Bakery Road as old records show.
•
The bakeries on the road going from the post Office to Rajeshwar Vidyalaya came up much later after which that road, known also as Malcolm Road, Became the Bakery Road.
•
The Halwai gully too, where the halwais (Indian sweet - makers) probably were, was being repaired.
•
Centre Street is being drained, repaired and metalled. Besides this, all roads in the sadar bazaar are being repaired.
•
This year the post of the Bazaar Choudhary is abolished, and service of a detective is secured to trace and recover stolen property because there have been many robberies at night.
1880 •
It is decided that all carts on the Mall must have a bell or light especially on dark nights.
•
The Police have been ordered to detain any cart attempting to pass the Mall without sufficient light.
•
The Holkar Durbar vakeel has to inform all the adjoining villages about this. Furthermore this year an experiment is taken out to see if the lighting on the Mall can be improved by ‘tin reflectors’.
94
1881 •
Now all the shops in the Main and Centre streets have to have boards showing names and trades
•
From now on, a standard Plan of houses has to be adopted by all persons who want to build in the Main Street of the Mhow bazaar.
•
The Sarogi (Jain) Community rebuilds its temple in the Main Street from the small house - like structure it had been to a beautiful design.
•
The Bada Masjid in the Bazaar is elevated.
•
This year it is decided to make a Police Line in the Cantonment so that all the policemen will be in one place and can easily be called on duty especially in emergencies. Till this year the Cantonment Police had no regular lines to live in. They were scattered all over the bazaar, and in the surrounding villages.
•
The Roman Catholic community in Mhow built its church known as ‘Sacred Heart Church’ in 1884.
1882
•
This year Mahidpur, the Place where the famous battle was fought on the 21st of December 1817, as a result of which Mhow was established, ceased to exist as a Military Cantonment.
•
A round this time, the Rajjputana - Malwa Railway came into existence; and the Holkar State Railway passing through Mhow got connected with this larger line going right up to Ajmer. The beginning of everything was in a railway - train upon the road to Mhow.
1883
•
The absolute necessity for improving the water supply which had been the crying wants of Mhow for years.
•
The 1st Grenadiers was one of the first regiments that came to Mhow way back in 1818 when this cantonment was established. The regiment was here again in 1882. The third time it would come, in 1906, it would be the 101st Grenadiers as a result of Lord Kitchener’s renumbering scheme that would take place in the early 1900s. The 1st Grenadiers are now re - designated as the 2nd battalion of the Guards Regiment. 95
1884 »
On the 28th day of February the Honorary magistrate’s Court was established in Mhow. Khan Bahadur Eduliji Pestonji’s Birdi was the first honorary Magistrate.
•
A new church is being built. It has been designed by an Italian priest by the name of pious de Benevento. He dedicates this church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is why this new church is called ‘Sacred Heart Church’.
•
This Parsi Philanthropist had also built Mhow’s first school as well as the Charitable Dispensary. He died this year. In his memory a plaque was erected at the Dispensary now known as the Cantonment hospital.
•
When the high School was established in Mhow around 1928, this school was named KEEP Memorial High School in Memory of this esteemed promoter of Education in Mhow.
•
The mosque (now known as Gokulganj Masjid) is built
•
This year there are 3482 houses in the bazaar and bustis of Mhow.
•
There are just 115 policemen. There is an insufficient Police force.
1885 •
A Club (which later became the club of Central India, and is now known as the DSOI) is formed in the Cantonment.
1886 •
At one time it was thought that the Cavalry and Artillery might have to be sent to the Narmada River, 36 miles off.
•
In June, Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar II died, and his son Shivaji Rao Holkar assumed reign of the Holkar Court at Indore.
•
The Gambhir rose to the south - west of Mhow near the Janapav Hill.
•
Janapav, one of the peaks of the Vindhya Range, with an elevation of3979 feet formed the apex of an amphitheatre of hills.
•
There is a severe drought in Mhow.
•
The wells in the bazaar and nearly all those in the Cantonment are going dry. The cavalry horses have to go four kilometres north of Mhow to the village of Kooti to drink water. 96
•
In November, the Project of making Bercha Dam has commenced. The dam is going to be 40 feet high and 3022 feet long. It should finish before the monsoon next year.
1887 •
Meanwhile, the houses in the village of Bercha were to be dismantled and removed to some place below the dam (present day Bercha village).
•
A Small temporary bungalow was to be built on the hill for the Engineer in immediate charge of the head works. Dispensary under the charge of a native doctor and dresser.
•
Gustadji Dotiwala was an efficient Contractor. He even employed the services of some policemen to maintain law and order in this little world away from Mhow busy in making a dam.
•
Till now the cantonment had got all its water from wells and rivers. Now pipes and taps were coming which would change the lifestyle in Mhow.
•
In the monsoon Bercha Lake gets filled with water for the first time.
•
There are 21877 People in Mhow, out of which, 14799 are bazaar residents, and 7178 are troops and camp - followers.
•
The lifestyle in Mhow will change. By the end of November water is brought to the Cantonment by Gravitational Method. A reservoir has been built on the highest point of Mhow where the European Infantry Barracks are (Present day MCTE Barracks).
1888 •
This year the first Girls School of Mhow was established. It was called ‘Bai Bhikaji K B Khory’s Girls School’.
•
By November itself, the whole of the pipe laying for Government buildings and the bazaar with the fitting up of taps was completed.
•
Now distribution of water in the Cantonment would begin.
•
Finally piped water was going to be available in a regular water supply to the Cantonment. This had been wanted since so many years, now the time had finally come.
•
The portion of the New Cemetery (that came up around 1870 on present day 97
Station Road), where roman Catholics are being buried soon going to be full. Another place needs to be selected for the burials of Roman Catholics who die in this Cantonment. •
This year the Mhow Division became Mhow District.
1889
•
Four vernacular branches are to be established in Mhow Zoroastrian high school.
1890
•
In Mhow this year there existed horse and pony Tongas and the principle roads of the cantonment were watered by hired bullocks and drivers.
•
Tower of Silence was finally put out of bounds, and “any soldier after that date being found on it would be tried by Court Martial”
1891
•
The year Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar was bom. The level crossing on the Mhow - Indore road is going to be improved.
•
The cantonment Gardens are going to be laid out and maintained now.
•
A road (Present day Maharashtra Samaj Road) is being made to the railway station through Luniyapura.
1892
•
Sacred Heart School (now Rajeshwar Vidyalaya) officially starts.
•
The school is opened in the campus of St. Anthony’s Church, and is perhaps still called “St. Joseph’s School’ and will later be shifted to the campus of Sacred Heart Church, when it will take on the name ‘Sacred Heart School’.
1893
•
Incidentally, they say that the Ram Mandir on the Maharashtra Samaj Road is probably one of the only temples in Mhow that have no appearance of a temple from outside.
•
When the High School started around 1928, the two Parsi schools were closed and their students and teachers were transferred to the new school at Hari Pathak which was named in honour of Khan Bahadur Eduliji Pestonji, who had started the first school in Mhow in 1863. 98
•
In 1929 the vacant Anglo Vernacular School was occupied by a large parsi family known as the coopers.
•
The Steam Roller is to be tried first. St. Mary’s School start on the 16th of January. But there are not one, but three schools functioning here - the Boarding and Day School, St. Joseph’s School, and St. Anne’s School for poor children. To each of these schools a boarding is attached.
•
The first 22 students, boys and girls, and their parents are addressed in English. The School has two sections - English and Hindi.
•
A road is going to be made to the west of the Masonic Hall to connect the Indore Road with the Native Infantry Lines (present day Malcolm Lines).
1894 •
The Circular Road to the east of the cantonment is being metalled.
1895 •
In October, the 7th Hussars left Mhow for Natal in South Africa. They left their horses back in the Cantonment for the cavalry regiment that was going to replace them - the 20th Hussars.
•
This year the 3 Presidency Armies have been abolished, and in their Place the Army of India is divided into four Commands - Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western.
•
Mhow becomes part of the Southern Command with Head quarters at Pune.
1896 •
This year there were two lady writers in Mhow. And both of them had the same name - ‘Violet’.
•
While one was writing poems that would be published as ‘Garden of Kama’ under a pseudonym ‘Lawrence Hope’ in 1901; the other Violet wrote letters to her mother that would be published as ‘Violet Jacob; Diaries and Letters from India’.
•
A boarding school has been opened for the local Catholic boys, and English has been added to the curriculum of St. Joseph’s School running at st. Anthony’s Chapel. (The school will evolve into Sacred Heart School once its location changes to the campus of Sacred Heart Church). 99
•
While at St. Mary’s School classes are taken outdoors once again as the strength of the school has increased and there is a shortage of classrooms.
•
This year a new building of the school is built. It has class rooms in the ground floor and the boarding up stairs. In the bazaar, the roads are dammered.
1897 •
Around that time, the Railway Company was opening a school for the children of the Railway people.
•
One such school was already here in 1892 and was closed by the Inspector that year.
•
The Railway School which was starting again would follow the Nagpur Pattern of Education.
•
A Pathway is constructed along a portion of the Mall for the benefit of foot passengers as there is in Pune. This is the greatest convenience to all concerned as before this, the carts, horses and other wheel - traffic of all sorts have been inconveniently mixed up on the principal road in the Camp.
1898 •
This year, a great difficulty was being experienced by officers and public in general because Tongas were not procurable easily except at the Cantonment Stables called Tonga Khana near the Dharmshala a little ahead of the railway Station.
•
But this place was too far from the Barracks. To remedy this new Tonga stands were to be made at different sites in the Cantonment.
•
Plans are on to water the station roads daily as it had been done before.
1899 •
October saw the new Cantonment Code of 1899 going to be applied to Mhow.
•
But the year of 1899 saw the famine perhaps in its worst form. Hundreds of people were dying of starvation.
•
The Military Dairy farm has been established at Mhow.
•
Grain is getting costlier in the bazaar day by day.
•
An orphanage is established in St. Mary’s School. The laying of water pipes to houses in the bazaar is still on. 100
1900 »
The year when perhaps rajeshwar vidyalaya shifted from st. Anthony’s church to the campus of sacred heart church
•
The Great famine ends in July but there is still a dearness of crops due to the last two years of famine and drought.
•
The Bercha Road, which had been put out of use and cut up exclusively by troops, was going to be put in satisfactory order.
•
People in the cantonment were still riding horses, although the bicycle had been invented.
•
When Violet Jacob was leaving Mhow the previous year, she had mentioned the Rani of Dewas riding a cycle. It was a luxury in those days. Nobody had cycle at that time.
•
Many roads in the bazaar are metalled this year.
1901 •
The Second Census is taken. There are 34740 people in Mhow.
•
Steps are being taken to ensure an increase in the storage of water in the cantonment. To increase the water supply, they are thinking about making another tank at the Janapav Valley.
•
Roads are still going to be washed by well water.
1902 •
Vincent Chemists, the first Known chemist shop in Mhow starts.
•
Thatch roofs are being replaced by tiles.
•
The police force in Mhow is to be increased and a qualified sub inspector sent to Mhow.
•
This year day-scholars begin to come to the school that has recently shifted to the campus of sacred Heart church.
•
The school is paying more stress on teaching English, as classes 2 and 3 have opened. As several persons in the bazar object to get their children vaccinated.
•
The vaccination Act XII of 1880 is going to be extended to Mhow and circulated to everyone. 101
y
•
At that time, as water was being provided from Bercha to Mhow by Gravitational Method, it was felt that there was no need for windmills and aero motors for pumping purposes; while at many houses in the cantonment, thatched roofs were being replaced for tiles.
1903 •
Plague hits Mhow on the 29th day of April and it is very severe.
•
There is a great epidemic of plague in Central India. Many plague camps are erected for the patients. Even the Dharmshala has been converted in to a hospital for 120 beds.
•
The bazaar has been divided in to three portions each with a Hospital Assistant who treats Patients. They also do house to house visitation. All infected houses are as far as possible disinfected.
•
The Hindu Cemetery and Mohammedan Burial Grounds have been extended.
•
The Nuns School (present day St.Mary’s) is closed in August. Notices are sent to parents to take the boarders home as frequent deaths are a cause of panic to all.
•
Thousands of people have died in Mhow. It is believed that 5136 people have lost their lives. This is about 14% (almost One- fifth) of Mhow’s population.
•
The new road from Centre Street into Mockery Mohalla is named ‘Shashiya Road’ in Memory of the Hospital Assistant Shashiya who died treating
y
people. •
A site for the new police Lines is selected (Present day Police Lines) which will be at a different place from the Old Police Lines that exist on Anderson Road (the present day road going from Hari Phatak to Gokulganj Masjid).
1904 •
The Gwalas are relocated (in the present Banda Basti) after being removed from the village on the boundary of Mhow where they were residing since 1878.
*
•
This year sees the formation of ‘Banda Basti’.
•
The 5th (Mhow) Division) is formed.
•
From now a General will be commanding the Station. 102
•
y
Soldier’s Gymkhana football Ground (present day Honorary Captain Shankar Laxman Stadium.
1905 •
Labour is scarce in Mhow because of the great number of people who have died due to the plague. And many others, in fact thousands, it is believed, who have fled from Mhow.
•
Now they are gradually beginning to return back to the cantonment. In November this year, The Prince and Princess of Wales visit India. They come to Indore too, and many dignitaries from Mhow go to Indore to attend the celebrations.
•
The lighting arrangements are also going to be improved in the bazar.
•
This year the first electrical shop ‘K.Allahbux’ starts in the main Street.
1906 •
St. Mary’s School is now following the course of the Allahabad University. These days the schools in Mhow are inspected by the Inspector of Schools, Narmada Circle.
•
This year the Railway Station is extended.
1907 •
The Arsenal at the Mhow fort (where arms and ammunition are made and repaired) is moved to Kirkee in the Pune Division where a large Arsenal has
>
been built. •
In September, Ganesh Utsav is being celebrated perhaps for the first time in Indore. It is freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak’s way to get people together and spread national awareness.
•
It is so inspiring that the Maharashtrians in Mhow also decide to get together and celebrate Ganesh Utsav from next year.
1908 •
The 10th Hussars leave the Cantonment for Rawalpindi. They are replaced by the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, who are coming to Mhow for the second time. They were here in 1862 when the famous Mhow Court Martial had taken Place. 103
.
The first Ganesh Utsav is celebrated in Kaluram’s Chawl of 18 Houses on the
f
road to the Railway Station, around where many of the Maharashtrians are living. The Cantonment. It is open for all and people from other religions are called as well to take part. This first Ganesh Utsav in Mhow goes on for only 3 days. 1909 •
In Mhow, new police Lines had been made by the side of Rooke Street.
•
The lines on Anderson Road where the police lived till then were soon vacated and they came to be known as the Old police Lines.
•
There existed a scarcity of water so hardly any water was allowed to be used to irrigate compound gardens.
i
1910 •
Steam laundries are to be opened up in Cantonments.
•
The 22 dog badges given out last year have to be destroyed because the same cannot be utilized, a different shape being used every year.
•
This year the Deputy Controller of Military Accounts Office shifts from Pune to Mhow, and with it, comes a large number of Maharashtrians.
•
Now even more Maharashtrians families begin to live in Mhow, so the Ganesh Utsav that has started in the Cantonment gets more life.
•
Petrol is available in cans at the Railway Station. There are no petrol pumps in Mhow as yet.
1911 •
The year 1911 will always be remembered because it was this year that a Goshala was established in Mhow.
•
At this time there was an Honorary Magistrate called Gopalji Malgava who lived in the Main Street, together with some of his Parsi friends and neighbours and started a shelter for old and injured cows on the other side of the Gambhir River in the village of Telikheda.The Goshala we now know as ‘Shri Radha Krishna Goshala, Mhow’.
•
Bicycles exist in Mhow, Just 10 years ago they were a luxury.
•
The Namoli Dharmshala is built. In July a roadway was being opened from 104
the Main Street to Centre. It would be called Connaught Road. •
This year the 125th Rifles and the 14th Kings Hussars arrive in Mhow.
•
This year the old Bazaar Guard room in the Main Street has been converted into the Kotwali.
1912 •
At this time in the centre Street, Bomanji Merchant the Octroi Inspector, being a very efficient official, was granted a conveyance allowance of Rs 15 Per month; while Lodge “Malwa” had been given the green signal to make a Masonic Lodge in the Cantonment Garden.
•
A Fountain to drink water is being made at the new police Station (Kotwali) to commemorate King Edward being crowned king of England. It will be called
^
the ‘Coronation Fountain’. •
This was the end of the area known till then as ‘Chakla Gali’. In time this place would come to be known as ‘Neem tree Street’.
•
The Ganesh Utsav celebrations in the Cantonment are at Gokulganj this year at the house of Tantya Saheb Ghare. He is an artist and has made a statue of Lord Ganesh.
•
The Main Street is being tarred from Simrole Road to the junction of the road from the Kotwali as an experiment.
1913 ^
•
The year it was felt that primary education needed to be started in Mhow.
•
A. A Dadabhoy wants to make a small library in the Cantonment Gardens for the use of the public. Plans are also on to start a ‘primary school’ in the Cantonment because the condition of primary education is not good in Mhow. Two more kerosene lamps are placed on post Office Road as street lights.
1914 •
Parsi Library starts in mhow
•
A site for the Girls School is selected to be in House No. 174, Main Street (Present day Little Angels School in Sanghi Street.
*
•
As there is less space in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, another cemetery for Roman Catholics is being made (on present day Banda Basti Road) east of the 105
Mhow to Mt. Abu by Train(1943)
Ken Staynor
Kenneth Hugh Staynor was born at Madhupur on 16 September 1927. In 1929, his family went to the United Kingdom, and returned to India in 1931 to Kurseong, where his father was a teacher, and later Headmaster, at Victoria School. Kenneth was educated at St. Josephs College, Darjeeling, and St Mary’s High School, Mount Abu. He left India in August 1951 for permanent residence in the UK to get into research and development in engineering, which was not available in India, and because his ancestral roots were in the UK. He lives in South Wales after retirement. His wife passed away in January 2010; he has three sons, five grandsons, five granddaughters and one great granddaughter.
Editor’s note: This is part of a chapter from Mr. Staynor’s forthcoming book. A shorter version this article first appeared at http://irfca.org/apps/trip_reports/show/410.
1943 saw a significant change in my life. Before that I had got used to life in relative civilisation in places like Calcutta, Darjeeling, Delhi and Simla and several towns on the East Indian Railway where there was mains electricity, running water on tap and proper up to date sanitary arrangements such as flush toilets, et cetera! In 1943 things took a change for the worse! My father was selected to set up the GHQ Communications Security School for South East Asia Command (SEAC for short), and this was to be located at a place called Mhow, in the Holkar State, in Central India and where the main Signal Training Centre (British) was based. I had heard of Mhow from a boy in Simla, but he never spoke much about the place except that if you were not in the military you were nobody in Mhow, so the journey was looked forward to with some excitement. My excitement was soon dampened by my first impression of Mhow when we I arrived there at about seven thirty in the night. I was filled with shock and surprise! Gone were the multi-platform brightly electrically illuminated stations I was used to in Northern India. Here was a single platform station lit by one gas lamp by the entrance. The rest of the station was in semi-darkness, illuminated by oil lamps which cast sinister shadows, making it difficult to sort out our heavy luggage being unloaded from the luggage van at the end of the train, and between two oil lamps!
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Mhow Station in the early 1900's showing a Rajputana Malwa Railway train headed by a Class 'O' Locomotive. Mhow station looked exactly the same in the 1940's. Picture provided by Denzil Lobo, currently living in Mhow and author of a book titled 'A Town Called Mhow'. I was soon to learn that this was the norm for these places in the ‘Gut’ of India. The further one got away from what one referred to as British India, and penetrated into the Princely states of Malwa and Rajputana, the more primitive and backward things got. For the first time I began to realise that India certainly was a country of diversities; people dressed differently and although they all understood ‘Kitchen Hindi’ (The sort of Hindi we spoke to our household servants) they spoke differently. I was in for a number of shocks and surprises in the next month by a life style that took a great deal of getting used to, and summoned up every bit of moral fibre and strength of character I had! My first days at Mhow were spent in what was known as the ‘Hutments.’ They were a series of hastily built two and three bedroom military Officers’ quarters on One Tree Hill, and on the outskirts of the Infantry School Mortar Training Ground, which meant from time to time pieces of shrapnel went whistling passed the house! These were the quarters allocated to newly posted officers awaiting permanent military housing when it became available. As Commandant of the Communications Security Training Establishment, my father was entitled to a house on what was referred to by the locals as ‘Generals Road’ because the Area Commander and other Brigadiers, Colonels and the rest of the ‘Red Tape’ lived there (although in fact, it was named something else, One Tree Hill Road I think), or one of the large bungalows on Ordinance Road. As these were still occupied by officers who were due to be posted to some other cantonment town, we had to make do with a hutment till they became available. That was military life for you! In the next hutment lived a Major D’Silva of the Royal Army Medical Corps., and his family. He was posted to the British Military Hospital, and like dad was awaiting permanent quarters. They had a son who was in school at a place called Mount Abu in the Aravalli Hills in Rajputana. On the D’Silva family’s advice, it was decided, since I had been withdrawn from school at Darjeeling, some two
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thousand miles from Mhow by train, but only a few hundred from an anticipated invasion of India by the Japanese, that admittance to St. Mary’s High School in that hill station should be tried for. During the second half of April 1943, I made my first solo train journey. My bags and baggage were all packed. With fifty Rupees (about 1,000 Rupees in today’s money) on me, I was put on the train for Ajmer. At Ajmer, where I had to change trains to the Delhi and Sind Mail for Abu Road, which was a through train between Delhi and Ahmadabad, the whole journey being made on the metre gauge section of the Bombay Baroda & Central India Railway and just over 500 miles. At the time, because of the restrictions on non-military traffic, there was only one through train between Khandwah and Ajmer. This train departed at about eight in the morning from Mhow stopping at every station on the way arriving at Ajmer at about 6am the next morning. I already had an experience of metre gauge travel when travelling to Mhow from Ratlam which took the train four hours to do 84 miles! There were several other passengers in my compartment, including a Colonel who knew my father and was travelling as far as Ratlam for Delhi. At Ratlam, there was a mass exodus of military personnel including everyone from my compartment and I found myself the sole occupant! The guard, seeing me still on the train, enquired if I was going all the way to Ajmer; I confirmed that I was. He then asked if I would like dinner at Neemuch. I had already studied the route in my Bradshaw, which was my favourite bedtime reading, and was aware that the train stopped at Neemuch for twenty minutes, but did not know that a meal could be had there. Since I was already wondering what I was going to do for something to eat and considering buying something from a Paan-Wallah’s trolley, I said I would. I and asked what food was available. He produced a menu of limited items, and I decided on soup, lamb and potato cutlets with vegetables, but the menu did not say what soup and vegetables! I was beginning to feel a bit homesick by now yet proud of being semi-adult, and decided that this was all part of my learning curve and at the end of the journey I would be more adult than when I started out! The train made regular stops at mainly deserted stations, while the scenery, though green and shrubby in most places, was nevertheless rugged and looked very foreboding. From time to time, we crossed small streams or rivers, which mainly were dry but had cut steep, almost vertical banks into the hard rocky land that, except for a scattering of stunted trees, was quite barren with no sign of agriculture. While I looked out of a window I noticed there was some ‘High Jinx’ and hilarity going on in a compartment in the coach behind the coach I was in. This continued when the train stopped at a place called Mandsaur, which seemed to be the only place with signs of life beyond the station since we left Ratlam. When the train pulled out of the station, the laughter and revelry continued, and suddenly a fellow fell out of this compartment and went rolling down the embankment. It was all good natured stuff that had gone wrong! Fortunately, someone pulled the communication cord and brought the train to a stop. The unfortunate chap was helped back onto the train amidst laughter but not before he got a clip on the ear from the train armed guard, who happened to be travelling on the same coach as the revellers! I must admit I joined in the laughter. If Mhow station was a shock, Neemuch was something out of this world! Mhow at least, had a bright gas lamp at the entrance, but Neemuch was in almost total darkness. It was ‘illuminated’ only by oil lamps which were about forty feet apart, and if my compartment had not stopped right opposite the ‘Refreshment Room’ I would have had trouble locating it in the gloom! The dining room was about fifteen feet square with a large table in the middle of it, which had an oil lamp on the centre of it that was the only source of illumination in the room. There were four of us for dinner, an army captain travelling to Nasirabad, a small military station near Ajmer, while the other two seemed to be travelling together and on their way to Udaipur. We sat ourselves down and made light conversation including jovial comments about the poor fellow who had fallen out of the train! Obviously, I was not the only spectator! The soup arrived from an adjoining room, which I assumed was the kitchen, and with it came a rather pleasant and gentle breeze which caused the solitary lamp to flicker and cast weird ghost like shadows. At ____________________________________________________________________________________3 www.indiaofthepast.org
first I was puzzled by this sudden cooling draught, till I realised it was the Punkha, which was a large carpet looking thing on a horizontal pole suspended from the ceiling which, when pulled by some hidden person swung to and fro above the table creating the gentle breeze. I had heard about these contraptions but had never actually seen one till now for the first time in my life. Things were getting more and more like something out of a book by Rudyard Kipling! I thought back to Mhow station, concluded that it also must have had a similar refreshment room, and there were probably at this very moment passengers having dinner from this train’s counter-part which would be stopped at Mhow at the same time as we were at Neemuch. After about twenty minutes we were all back on the train and on our way again. Since I still had the compartment to myself, I decided to open out my bedding roll and after a good wash which freshened me up no end I decided to turn in for the night, while the train trundled and rocked its way along. I do not think it ever exceeded twenty five miles per hour! But old habits die hard and I found myself sitting up and curiously looking out of the window every time the train stopped. Why I did this was pure habit as at all the stations there was nothing to see, not even a flicker of light away from the station, which usually had just one oil lamp flickering in the middle of a deserted platform. So it was a case of ‘Cat-nap’ and ‘Nosy-parker’ till eventually sleep got the better of me. I do not how long I had been asleep, when I was awakened again, this time by a great deal of railway activity, of rolling stock being fly-shunted and a clanking and whistle blowing by a shunting engine. I looked out of a window onto a quiet and deserted platform, not even the familiar call of Chai Gurum (hot tea), which is synonymous with all stations in India! I leant out of the window to get a glimpse of the station name but the lighting was so poor I could not make the name out so I asked a solitary passing coolie what the name of the station was. It was Chittorgarh, which, I knew from my Bradshaw (Ed. Note: Bradshaw was a company that published railway timetables) studies, was a junction with the Udaipur State Railway. The yards were very poorly illuminated, so I was unable to tell whether the shunter (Ed. Note: shunting engine) was a Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway (BB&CIR) engine or not because it was just a shadowy image with no lighting among the silhouettes of goods trucks and wagons. Whichever railway it belonged to, the driver certainly loved the sound of its whistle! We stopped at Chittorgarh for quite a while and no sooner had we got moving when I succumbed to sleep again.
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A BB&CIR Class P locomotive I have a kind of built-in alarm clock which allows me to set an alarm in my mind that awakens me more or less at any given time I want. This was working well, as my eyes suddenly opened and I was aware that the train was slowing down. I looked out of the window and in the semi-daylight made out the name of the station which was Nasirabad, which, from my Bradshaw reading, I knew to be forty minutes from Ajmer. I decided to roll up my bedding have a good wash, and spruce myself up for my change of trains at Ajmer. Not long after six oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock we trundled into Ajmer. I was pleasantly surprised to find that here at last was a brightly electrically illuminated three platform station, with a nice station building, A.H Wheelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bookstall, tea stalls, and every amenity one should expect at a station for a large city that Ajmer was. I knew that a dining car was attached to the Delhi and Sind Mail at Ajmer so I decided to treat myself to a cup of tea only on the platform, having in mind to get myself a good breakfast on the train. The Sind and Delhi Mail steamed in on time headed by a magnificent YB-class Pacific locomotive; when it came to a stop half the train seemed empty itself onto the wide platform. There was a great deal of shunting activity as some coaches were taken off and others including the restaurant car were connected. The dining car shared a coach with a first class compartment with a sliding connecting door between them and into which the coolie who had taken charge of my luggage expertly installed me.
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I had a fellow traveller who was a Major in the army and was on his way for a short break at Mount Abu. He was excellent company and had joined the Ajmer train at Neemuch, but somehow we had not seen each other. He suggested that we should wait for the train to get going before entering the dining car for breakfast. He had been stationed at Neemuch for three years and long enough to accustom himself to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The joys of the Thunder-Boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as he put it. When he found out who my father was, he made sure he had nothing derisory to say about the army and being posted to a place like Neemuch. Little did he know that my father had been derisory about the army on several occasions, especially when he learnt that the Training Establishment was to be located at Mhow, but as Mhow was one the chief Royal Signals Training Centres in India, had accepted it as a Fait Accompli! The service in the dining car was faultless; the bearer asked us very politely what we would like for breakfast. The Major and I obviously had similar tastes when it came to breakfast, because we both ordered orange juice followed by cornflakes and then three-quarter boiled eggs and toast with coffee. Few breakfasts ever went down better! After breakfast and before the train had made its first stop at Beawar, we were back in our compartment, the Major locking the sliding door so that no one could come in from the dining car. The difference between this train and the one from Mhow was remarkable! This one was making headway and for a metre gauge train was quite fast. By now I was beginning to feel Rajputana heat; it was not yet 9.30 in the morning and already the ceiling fans were having no effect. The Major complained that he had not slept well so was going to have a sleep saying that if no one had got into the compartment at Ajmer it was unlikely that any one would before Marwar Junction or Abu Road. I decided to follow suit and stretched out on my bunk not noticing that
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one of my windows was not fully shut. When the Major awakened me at about noon suggesting that we should go for lunch, I got off my bunk and could see where I had been lying; it was the only spot not covered by desert dust which had made its way into the compartment through the open gap. There were not very many passengers for lunch. The Major and I were two of the only five ‘Whites’; the other half dozen or so all seemed to be well to do Indian business people all sitting at separate tables. I cannot fault BB&CIR catering; if breakfast was superb, the travelling chef excelled with lunch! There was a large jug of fresh iced lemon juice on the table, and I promptly helped myself to a glass before the same bearer, who had served us at breakfast, came to take our order. We decided on consommé to start with, followed by lamb curry and boiled rice. The lamb was succulent and very tasty; the Major said he had taken a while to acquire the taste for curry and that was as good as any he had ever tasted! I agreed. While we were lunching the train stopped at Marwar Junction and as we had left the connecting door open we were able to see that no one had entered our compartment. Hundreds were milling around the station some making their ways to the Jodhpur Railway station for trains to Hyderabad in Sind or for Jodhpur and other Rajput Desert townships, while others were searching out accommodation on our train. Later, while looking out of the window at the Jodhpur Railway platform I was able to see the longest metre gauge locomotive I had ever seen. It was heading a Jodhpur Railway train and had an enormous twelve wheeled tender which was as long as the engine and gave it a disproportionate appearance. I later learned that it was a class ‘M’ Pacific, which had this outsized tender to carry extra water and specifically built for the Jodhpur Railway by the Baldwin Locomotive Company for the crossing of the 350 mile barrenness of the Rajputana and Thar Deserts to Hyderabad in Sind.
A Jodhpur Railway Class 'M' Pacific Pacific locomotive Let me digress a bit from the main story line about this journey. The Jodhpur Railway line from Hyderabad Sind through Marwar Junction was the shortest rail route between Karachi, Delhi and Bombay though not necessarily the fastest. Jodhpur trains were not noted for speed; Kipling wrote that “There is no slower train than a Jodhpur train!” There was no direct ‘Coastal’ rail link between Karachi and Bombay, and as far as I can tell the British had no plans to build one as the link had no strategic or commercial importance a factor which was the prime purpose for constructing the railways in the first place. Following the partition of the Sub-Continent, the very idea of such a rail link was out of the question. This journey was probably quickest by ship between Karachi and Bombay! And as far as Delhi was concerned, owing to the slowness of the Jodhpur Railway’s metre gauge it was much faster to Delhi via the North Western Railway Karachi – Bhatinda route which was all broad gauge.
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Along the way, the people looked very colourful, the men wearing larger than usual brightly coloured turbans, and the women were dressed in gorgeously coloured saris, which gave a typical Rajput scene. Marwar was also another junction station with the Udaipur State Railway. Here I was able to see a Jodhpur Railway train its green coaches contrasting with the drab desert surroundings, but I saw no Udaipur State rolling stock. After lunch we dozed and chatted alternately. The temperature had by now risen to well over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit which, with the amount of desert dust that had got under my collar due to the open window, mixed with heavy perspiration made things distinctly uncomfortable! This was a journey through contrasting scenery. Between Mhow and Ajmer, the land was reasonably green though uncultivated, and now we were travelling through a barren wilderness. This was like travelling through a different country, as the contrast between what the countryside between Mhow and Ajmer, and Ajmer and Abu Road was remarkably different. I began to realise how vast and diversified a country India was. There were a series of ‘Road’ stations like Sojat Road, Erinpura Road and Sajjan Road. There was one station named Rani (queen) and another named Nana (prince), which were in keeping with the name of the Rajah Maharaja Railway (the actual name was Rajputana Malwa Railway)! But they were all deserted places and seemed to be no more than passing places on the single track line as there appeared to be nothing out there beyond the small station but desert! This line certainly ran through a wilderness! At about 3.30 in the afternoon there was a knock on the dividing door and a call ‘Sahib’; I opened the door to find a bearer standing there with a broad Rajput smile, his pearly white teeth contrasting with his brown skin; “Would sahibs like some tea?” he asked “Yes,” replied the Major, still reclining on his bunk. Five minutes later, the bearer arrived carrying a tray with a pot of tea, two cups and saucers with milk and sugar and a plate of assorted biscuits. “That will be two Rupees, Sahib,” said the bearer. “I’ll get that,” the Major said giving the bearer a Five Rupee Note and telling him to keep the change. The train travelled through some of the most barren country I have seen, occasionally stopping at stations which seemed to be nothing more than passing places, because as far as I could see there were no townships associated with them, just desert. At some of these stations, there were goods trains headed by YD 2-8-2 locomotives going the other way, and obviously waiting to allow the Mail through before proceeding.
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A YD-Class locomotive As we progressed through this scrub-land flatness I could see the distant Aravalli hills on both sides. With Abu Road approaching, the Major asked me what arrangements I had made for getting from Abu Road up to the Mount. I told him that I had telegraphed the operators of the Bus Company who I think was Ganesh & Company, for a reservation as suggested in the Bradshaw. “You will be lucky,” he said “They take no notice of telegrams around here; they want money up front. I have arranged a taxi, the same fellow every time I go to the Mount; I would offer you a lift but there is no way all your luggage and mine will fit in the car.” By this time we were almost at Abu Road and I was getting one of those sinking feelings one gets when all seems a lost cause! We arrived at Abu Road station, which once again was a single platform affair. There was a reasonably extensive yard and a clear view of the loco shed; I was able to see several YB and YD locomotives on shed. There was a goods train this time headed by a P Class locomotive waiting for the Mail to overtake. Across the lines I could see the houses of the railway colony; clearly Abu Road was a railway town! A coolie obligingly handled my luggage and showed me the way to the Bus Operator’s Office. I introduced myself, and told a rather harassed man that I had telegrammed from Mhow for a reservation. “No telegram come,” he said ”You paid for reservation? If you no send money, we no make reservation.” “I must get to Mount Abu,” I said. “So must more than hundred people. How I make room for you?” he ranted “Have these people made and paid for reservation?” I asked. “No, but they come before you. Where you go in Mount Abu?” “I must get to St. Mary’s School,” I pleaded “OK you go in this bus, tell driver you get out at Toll Gate,” he said having softened his tone of voice by now. “No, I want St. Mary’s school,” I said in my ignorance of anything to do with Mount Abu. “Yes, yes I know you want High School, that is stop at Toll Gate,” he said. By this time I began to think that Mount Abu was some big metropolis. Little did I know! ____________________________________________________________________________________9 www.indiaofthepast.org
However, I was on my way to Mount Abu after one of the more interesting train journeys I made on the Sub-Continent. ď ś
_______________________________________ Š Ken Staynor 2013
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