Bibliographic Details
Book title: Patrick Geddes in India
Author: Patrick Geddes; Edited by Jaqueline Tyrwhitt
Publisher: Life Span Publishers & Distributors
Date of publication: 1 January 2021
Language: English
Genre: Non-Fiction, Urban planning
Length: 103 pages
Price: INR 350 (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 9390656354
ISBN-13: 978-9390656356
In recent decades, India has undergone rapid urbanization, marked by the exponential expansion of cities and a substantial influx of people into urban areas. Undoubtedly, this surge has fostered economic development, improved infrastructure, and created more job opportunities. However, it has also presented challenges like congestion, inadequate housing, and environmental issues.
Step into the vibrant complexity of pre-independent India, where the echoes of progress resonate amidst the backdrop of social and environmental challenges. As India grapples with the consequences of soaring urbanization, “Patrick Geddes in India,” a curated collection by Jaqueline Tyrwhitt, is a journey back to a time when Scottish town planner Patrick Geddes traversed the diverse landscapes of British India, offering solutions for the very issues that define the contemporary Indian urban experience.
The passages in the book represent a fraction of his writings between 1915 and 1919, drawn from exhaustive reports that he made on Indian cities, including Balrampur, Indore, Kapurthala, Lucknow, Coimbatore, etc., during a pivotal era of the nation’s urban metamorphosis. The book, first published in 1947, showcases Geddes’s practical application of town planning principles and his emphasis on civic surveys for effective urban development.
About the Author: Patrick Geddes
Sir Patrick Geddes, a biologist, sociologist, and town planner, played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary concept of town planning. Raised and educated in Scotland, he attended Perth Academy and later the Royal College of Mines in London. He held positions as a demonstrator in the Department of Physiology at University College London, a lecturer in Zoology at the University of Edinburgh, and a Professor of Botany at Dundee University College. With a career spanning biology, sociology, and geography, he became known for his innovative thinking in the pioneering field of urban planning.
In 1914, Lord Pentland, the Governor of Madras, extended an invitation to Geddes, recognizing his success in the urban regeneration of Edinburgh. Residing in India from 1914 to 1924, Geddes played a pivotal role in the town planning of numerous Indian cities. During his extensive travels, he corresponded with influential thinkers and writers, including Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. Throughout his works, he emphasized the interdependence of culture and nature, a trans-disciplinary approach to education, and context-specific approaches for cultural transformation.
Summary
The book presents excerpts derived from Sir Patrick Geddes’s official reports on his proposed masterplans of various Indian cities, commissioned by both British governors and Indian rulers. The content was chosen and edited by H. V. Lanchester and Arthur Geddes, his son, with due consideration to his picturesque style. Accompanying these narratives are captivating photographs by Anthony Denney, who was on war service in India at the time. “Patrick Geddes in India” is an insightful book that transcends a typical urban planning guide, offering a captivating exploration of the author’s insights on town planning in India.
The author infuses the book with his firsthand experiences, presenting compelling arguments alongside a rich tapestry of local instances. In the backdrop of pre-independent India, he unfolds a narrative shaped by rapid urbanization, highlighting social and environmental issues resonating with planners and citizens alike. Geddes strikingly anticipated these problems, as he strongly condemns contemporary town-planning practices, employing coercive schemes without consideration for the environment or residents.
Geddes suggests that environment and organism, place, and people, are inseparable. Since the essential unit of a city is the ‘home’, the book suggests with the dwelling, we must consider its occupants, the man, the woman, and the child. This comprehensive approach enriches the understanding of urban dynamics and addresses the nuanced needs of residents.
“Town-planning is not mere place-planning, nor even work-planning. If it is to be successful, it must be folk-planning”. (Geddes & Tyrwhitt, 1947)
The heart of Geddes’s philosophy lies in prioritizing the well-being and aspirations of the community. The book emerges as a compelling guide for those seeking sustainable and people-centric urban development, echoing Geddes’s timeless wisdom. It underscores integrating insights from traditional village life to combat social decay and health issues for effective urban planning.
As demonstrated by examples and anecdotes in the book, Geddes introduces various concepts like ‘diagnostic survey’ and ‘conservative surgery,’ derived from medical terms. In his extensive work, Geddes consistently scrutinized societal dynamics and advocated ‘civic surveys,’ emphasizing ‘diagnosis before treatment.’ With a keen eye on residents’ needs, he prioritized enhancing urban quality while minimizing disruption and destruction. Geddes’s methodologies, as outlined in the book, employ a sociological approach to city planning, which remains indispensable for contemporary urban development.
The book presents the author’s holistic vision, advocating for open spaces, gardens, and tree-lined avenues to alleviate congestion and enhance citizen well-being. The narrative explores the significance of citizen participation, local agriculture, and sustainable practices, presenting Geddes’s comprehensive approach to urban development. Additionally, the author discusses the potential of planting trees to mitigate pollution, improve air quality, and promote overall well-being—ideas remarkably ahead of their time and relevant even today. Note that the phrases’ ecology’ and ‘environment’ were not commonly used in the 19th century.
Originally trained as a biologist, Geddes viewed the process of city growth as an evolving organism—where each generation makes its contribution to the physical space. In his reports, he adopted a humanistic outlook, thoroughly investigating existing conditions, understanding the evolution of the place, and recognizing both advantages and challenges. Drawing metaphors from nature, Geddes perceived development as a cycle of repair, renewal, and rebirth. This outlook urged citizens to voluntarily cooperate and take civic responsibility for a harmonious approach to city growth.
Geddes’s works, while comprehensive, overlooked the influence of political and economic dynamics on cities, deeming it counterproductive to practical needs. Notably, only his proposals for Indore have been implemented in India. While his approach is sound, implementing his ideas faces challenges, particularly the time-consuming ‘Conservative Surgery’ process, demanding constant attention and detailed studies. Geddes himself acknowledged its time-consuming nature, stating, “The conservative method… requires long and patient study.”
The book concludes with a vivid portrayal of Geddes orchestrating a unique parade in Indore, assuming the role of “Maharajah for a day.” This dramatized event is a powerful metaphor for Geddes’s innovative approach to urban planning, cementing his legacy as a visionary town planner. It adds a colorful note to the book, showcasing Geddes’s commitment to civic involvement and creative solutions in town planning.
“Patrick Geddes in India” offers a journey into India’s urban history through the lens of the visionary town planner Sir Patrick Geddes. As we navigate contemporary urban complexities, Geddes emerges as a timeless guide, challenging conventional norms with an enduring call for thoughtful planning and citizen engagement. What is truly remarkable about Geddes’s town planning reports is his approach to solving Indian urban challenges—rooted in contextual understanding rather than following colonial principles designed for British towns. In his exploration of urban development in India, he offers a profound perspective that transcends time.
References
Geddes, P. and Tyrwhitt, J. (1947) Patrick Geddes in India. London: Lund Humphries.
