Kolkata - The Colonial City in Transition: Reflections in Geographies of Urban India

The book "Kolkata: A Spatial Analysis" provides a comprehensive spatial analysis of Kolkata, covering physical, economic, social, political, and environmental aspects. It uses mapping exercises based on real-time remote sensing data to evaluate themes like land-use changes, urban sprawl, and neighborhood analysis. It is valuable for students, teachers, researchers, urban planners, and anyone interested in Kolkata's urban geography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into a comprehensive spatial analysis of Kolkata, encompassing a wide range of physical, economic, social, political, and environmental dimensions of Urban Geography. Through the utilization of mapping exercises based on real-time remote sensing data, it offers a realistic assessment of key themes such as land-use changes, urban sprawl, and detailed neighborhood analysis. This resource is invaluable for students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of geography, particularly human geography and urban geography, urban studies, urban development and planning, regional planning, sociology, politics, and economics. It also holds significant value for urban planners, development professionals, and individuals with an interest in the urban geography of Kolkata.

The book begins by providing an introduction to Kolkata, its historical background, and its current demographic and urban landscape. It then proceeds to explore the various physical aspects of the city, including its landforms, topography, climate, and water resources. The authors discuss the impact of these physical factors on Kolkata's urban development, including the formation of its urban fabric, transportation systems, and infrastructure.

In the next section, the book delves into the economic aspects of Kolkata. It examines the city's economic growth, employment patterns, and income distribution, as well as the role of industries and sectors in shaping its economic landscape. The authors also explore the challenges and opportunities faced by Kolkata's economy, such as urbanization, globalization, and the impact of government policies and interventions.

Moving on to the social dimensions of Kolkata, the book examines the city's population, demographics, and social structures. It explores the factors that contribute to social inequality, such as poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion, and the strategies employed by the government and civil society to address these issues. The authors also discuss the role of social institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and cultural organizations, in promoting social cohesion and well-being.

The political aspects of Kolkata are also explored in the book. It examines the city's political structure, governance systems, and the role of political parties, NGOs, and social movements in shaping its political landscape. The authors also discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by Kolkata's political system, such as corruption, democratic participation, and urban governance.

Finally, the book delves into the environmental aspects of Kolkata. It examines the city's air and water quality, waste management systems, and natural resources, as well as the impact of human activities on the environment. The authors discuss the strategies employed by the government and civil society to promote sustainable development and protect the environment.

Throughout the book, the authors use a combination of theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and case studies to provide a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of Kolkata's urban geography. The use of mapping exercises based on real-time remote sensing data enables a realistic assessment of the city's themes and facilitates a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between physical, economic, social, political, and environmental factors.

The book is organized into five chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Kolkata's urban geography. The first chapter provides an overview of the city's physical geography, including its landforms, topography, climate, and water resources. The second chapter explores the economic aspects of Kolkata, including its economic growth, employment patterns, and income distribution. The third chapter examines the social dimensions of Kolkata, including its population, demographics, and social structures. The fourth chapter explores the political aspects of Kolkata, including its political structure, governance systems, and the role of political parties, NGOs, and social movements in shaping its political landscape. The fifth chapter delves into the environmental aspects of Kolkata, including its air and water quality, waste management systems, and natural resources.

In conclusion, the book presents a comprehensive and insightful spatial analysis of Kolkata, encompassing a wide range of physical, economic, social, political, and environmental dimensions of Urban Geography. It is an invaluable resource for students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of geography, urban planning, and development. The use of mapping exercises based on real-time remote sensing data enables a realistic assessment of key themes and facilitates a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between physical, economic, social, political, and environmental factors. The book is organized into five chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Kolkata's urban geography, and is written in a clear and accessible style. It will be of interest to a wide range of readers, including urban planners, development professionals, and those interested in the urban geography of Kolkata.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032020976