LYALLPUR AND ITS FORMATION AS A NEW DISTRICT HEADQUARTER TOWN: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF COLONIAL INFLUENCE ON URBANIZATION OF THE PUNJAB

Abstract

When the British colonized the Punjab's western doabs (interfluvial regions) for agricultural purposes, they reorganized the area for their own imperial ends. As a result, new urban centers were created and the old Punjabi towns were expanded, starting the urbanization process. In West Punjab during the British era, the establishment of a colonial town as the district center was connected to the general development of the region through canal colonies and railroads. This study will investigate the growth of a brand-new town, Lyallpur. The historical development of Lyallpur's urban form will be examined in light of the colonial town's significance as a hub for imperial economy and power. The discussion will be predicated on an examination of a number of historical materials, such as town and district maps and fieldwork-gathered architectural and urban data. According to the study, Lyallpur's rise as a major district-level mandi/market town had a major influence on the region's urban growth by making it easier for people and agricultural products to move between rural areas and the new urban center. Prior to the British era, the Lower Rechna Doab was largely underdeveloped, lightly populated, and lacked any prominent urban center.

Keywords:  British ,  Punjab's Western Doabs ,  Agricultural Purposes ,  Rechna Doab , Urban Center