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It would be interesting and instructive to present a concise review of the evolution in ideas
and also practice of Town Planning. This would certainly help in determining the future
course of action in this important field.

  
   The origin to civilization and town planning can be traced to river
valleys of the Middle East (Nile, Tigris Rivers) and also in India (Indus River). From
archaeological excavations at Mohenjo-Daro and Lothal, it is observed that these were walled
towns, roads were wide and paved, and public drains were connected to house drains.

  
 The period covering from about 6th century B.C. to 6th century A.D. is
known for the development of classic cities. The corresponding period in India is the glorious
period of development firstly under the Mauryas in the closing centuries before B.C. and then
under the Guptas in the beginning of centuries of A.D. Chanakya, a minister under the
Mauryas, is the author of µArthashastra¶, a book which includes many observations on town
and country planning and housing. Emperor Ashoka constructed many Viharas, Chaityas and
pillars with inscriptions of Buddhist teachings. Indian national flag displays Ashok Chakra
and Lion.

   
 The period between the 6th and 10th century A.D. is known as the µDark
Age¶ with feudal system of development in towns. Following breakdown of the Roman
Empire, there was growth of several city states all over Europe. Still, there was no security,
life was in danger. Church influence grew during this period as the Abbes provided haven to
the oppressed people. In India, the prosperous days under the Guptas extended for some time
during this period. When King Harsha was ruling, Nalanda University was very famous
during this time and had 8500 students. Thereafter, period of decline commenced with
beginning of Muslim invasion.

      
 The emergence of the affluent middle class consisting of merchants,

traders and businessmen, is the chief characteristics of this period, covering 11th to 15th
century A.D. Towns during this period were noted for informal but picturesque design. The
whole town was dominated by the Cathedral with its tower located in the centre and its vast
open spaces used as a market place where people met and discussed things, and together with
a town hall and an inside hall made an attractive town centre.

Towards the end of this period, there was heavy congestion of population to house them,
existing open spaces were built over and upper and upper stories were constructed, as
horizontal expansion was not possible by the limitation of town walls.

In India, this period witnessed a series of ruthless invasions and plunder, first by Muhammed
Ghori (two invasions) and later by Timur Lang. Muslim rule was started in the North and also
there were some invasions in the South against the Yadavas.

       During the 16th and 17th centuries, a tremendous change has affected the
life style of people living in the Western countries, due to scientific and technological
inventions. With the inventions of the Mariner¶s compass, many enterprising people
undertook long distance sea voyages and made ample geographical discoveries. Various new
trade routes were opened and wealth increased. This was reflected in the prestigious design of
cities with wide tree-lined arenas, public open spaces and landscaped gardens leading to an
imperial palace, religious building or some such focal point. This came to be known as
µBaroque planning¶.

Most American cities were established during this period. The road pattern adopted in these
cities were grid iron, diagonals came to be introduced running across the grid iron layout.

In India, the period coincides with the establishment and growth of the Mughal rule. The
Mughal rulers led luxurious personal lives, constructed Delhi and Agra forts and many
Mausoleums and tombs, including the famous Taj Mahal, there was hardly any town
planning as such. The period is also noted for the infiltration of many European powers into
India.

  

 Beginning with the 19th century, the industrial revolution started
in the West. The location of industry was done in a haphazard manner with only emphasis on
production, completely ignoring the human aspect of development. Lack of housing resulted
in miserable living conditions of the people.

Railways facilitated long distance bulk traffic of goods and mass transport of men, which
helped the growth of dormitory towns within commuting distance of big towns.

In India, this period is noted for the complete domination of the British rule. Many textile
mills were installed in Bombay, mainly for the manufacture of coarse cloth. Growth of towns
and cities were very haphazard and living conditions were miserable.

     
 
   
 The main problem of this century is
the problem of urbanization created by industrialisation. Lack of proper industrial distribution
creates unbalanced developments, necessitating migratory tendencies among the population
in search of employment. Several new towns planned and designed based on µGarden City¶
principle.

USA in actual practice concentrates more on zoning and subdivision of land for urban
development of housing and industries, in different area, joined together by a sophisticated
highway system. A corridor type development has taken place all along the important
highways in a continuous fashion so that adjacent cities are virtually joined together and
metropolises are turned into megapolis. They do not believe in regional or integrated
planning of towns. The housing development is of a very luxurious type with all amenities
like swimming pools and tennis courts. In the affluent economy, each resident family owns a
car and therefore there is hardly any difficulty in going to work or to shopping centres and
schools.