This study of the emergence of Cawnpore as an urban centre as a subjects of historical research may appear to be slightly unconventional. However as a student of history and a resident of Kanpur, I have reasons to justify it. Whatever the protagonists of small is beautiful or urbanization may say, the history of past two centuries points towards a constant growth of super cities and urban centres. These centres are seats of economic power as well as centers of natural and global power politics. It has been observed that many trends of national growth are more or less an extension of the growth of these urban centres. Thus a study of the urbanisation can give a basis for understanding the nation's growth in its true perspective and with all its ramifications.

Political history at macro and micro level have been traditionally associated with policies of British government and resistance put up by Indians. Such studies do not provide a convincing account of the diverse socio-economic changes and forces governing the destiny of the people. Therefore this study focusses on the economic forces at micro level and analyses the economic and technological factors working behind them.

This study of the emergence of Cawnpore as an urban centre as a subjects of historical research may appear to be slightly unconventional. However as a student of history and a resident of Kanpur, I have reasons to justify it. Whatever the protagonists of small is beautiful or urbanization may say, the history of past two centuries points towards a constant growth of super cities and urban centres. These centres are seats of economic power as well as centers of natural and global power politics. It has been observed that many trends of national growth are more or less an extension of the growth of these urban centres. Thus a study of the urbanisation can give a basis for understanding the nation's growth in its true perspective and with all its ramifications.

Political history at macro and micro level have been traditionally associated with policies of British government and resistance put up by Indians. Such studies do not provide a convincing account of the diverse socio-economic changes and forces governing the destiny of the people. Therefore this study focusses on the economic forces at micro level and analyses the economic and technological factors working behind them.

In our society, the economic and technological changes at micro level were said to be the product of the British rule and industrial, commercial and technological developments. These developments brought about the origin an growth of Cawnpore. Based on empirical and objective analysis, the study aims at assessing the changes in social and economic patterns. Kanpur presented a good case study as most significant factors were present here. From a sleepy village till 1778, to an important urban centre in 19th Century. A number of commercial, industrial and tertiary sectors expanded. Growth of population and expansion of education added new dimensions to the local society. Soon the town became the Manchester of the East. The years of the uprising of 1857 disturbed this progress for a while. But soon, the town revived and grew by leaps and bounds.

While working on this subject, I have taken into view only economic and social aspects. The uprising of 1857 has been purposely ignored in order to concentrate on socio-economic aspects.

The study is carried out primarily with the help of some original sources derived from the state Archives Lucknow, National Archives New Delhi and Nehru Memorial Muslim and Library, New Delhi. Among them, files of various departments' private papers, files of Home departments, gazeteers etc. have been very useful. Some News papers have also been consulted. Secondary sources include books on Cawnpore. Local and regional sources have also been consulted from upper India Chamber of Commerce, J. K. Library, Marwari Library, Gaya Prasad Library of Kanpur.

There is another important consideration for selecting this subject for research. The work of a historian is to look at historical changes and use the knowledge for bringing desirable change. Therefore an attempt is made to analysis the working of groups and forces that were effective in moulding the society and economy.

The completion of this work has been possible due the help and co- operation of my teacher, Dr. S. S. Awasthi who often gave me his guidance. I extend my sincere thanks to some of my students especially, Sanjana Bhadauria, who provided her assistance to me whenever possible.

CONTENTS

Introduction    9

Cawnpore Camp    15

Behind The Camp    19

References    25

Growth of Economic Activities -
Beginning of Trade of Commerce    26

Cawnpore Becomes British Territory    33

Company Administration    34

The First British Traders in Cawnpore    37

Markets of Kanpur    38

Textile    39

Leather    39

Opium    40

Indigo    40

Cotton    41

Major Crops and Other Edibles    41

References    43

Development of Indsutries    44

Onset of Industrialization    45

Leather Industry    45

Cotton Industry    47

Elgin Mill -  The Mother Of Mills In Cawnpore    48

Woollen Mills    49

Jute Mills    50

Development Of Transport    52

The East India Railways    52

Roads    54

References    56

Expansion Of Tertiary Services    57

Banking and Commercial Activities.    58

Bank of India    60

Bank of Bengal    60

Allahabad Bank    60

The Bank of India Ltd.    60

Upper India Chamber of Commerce    61

Weight and Measures :    62

Government Services :    64

Income Tax :    64

District Board :    64

Stamp :    65

Registration :    65

Custom Duty :    65

Police Administration :    66

Civil Services :    66

Water Works Plan :    67

Post and Telegraph :    69

Telephone :    69

Education :    70

References    72

Changes In The Structure of Society    73

References    82

Conclusion    83

References    100