Chandigarh, the first planned city of India was built in .....

Category: Chandigarh Gk

Hint: Consider the period after India's independence.

Correct Answer: B) Late 50's.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Chandigarh, the first planned city of independent India, is a significant landmark in the country's urban planning history. The city was designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who was commissioned by the Indian government to create a modern, functional city that would serve as the capital of the newly formed states of Punjab and Haryana.

The planning and construction of Chandigarh began in the late 1940s, shortly after India gained independence from British rule in 1947. The city was conceived as a symbol of the new nation's aspirations for modernity and progress. The initial planning phase involved extensive surveys and consultations with various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and government officials.

The actual construction of the city began in the early 1950s and was largely completed by the late 1950s. This period marked a significant phase of post-independence development in India, as the government sought to modernize the country and establish new urban centers that would reflect the nation's aspirations. Chandigarh was designed to be a model city, with a well-planned layout, modern infrastructure, and a focus on public spaces and green areas.

The city's design incorporated several innovative features, such as a grid-like layout with sectors, wide boulevards, and a clear separation between residential and commercial areas. The architecture was characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and the use of reinforced concrete, which was a departure from the traditional building styles of the time. The city's design also included several iconic buildings, such as the Capitol Complex, which houses the legislative assembly, high court, and secretariat.

Chandigarh's completion in the late 1950s marked a significant milestone in India's urban planning history. The city served as a model for other planned cities in India and around the world, and its design principles continue to influence urban planning and architecture today. The city's development was a testament to the vision and determination of the Indian government to create a modern, functional, and livable city that would serve as a symbol of the nation's progress and development.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect. The construction of Chandigarh was completed in the late 1950s, not the late 1960s. The city was designed and built in the years following India's independence in 1947.
Option B: This option is correct. Chandigarh was completed in the late 1950s, making it the first planned city of independent India. The city was designed by Le Corbusier and construction was largely finished by the end of the 1950s.
Option C: This option is incorrect. While the planning and initial construction of Chandigarh began in the late 1940s, the city was not completed until the late 1950s. The late 1940s were primarily the planning phase.
Option D: This option is incorrect. The construction of Chandigarh was completed in the late 1950s, not the late 1970s. The city was designed and built in the years following India's independence in 1947, and the major construction was completed by the end of the 1950s.

Mnemonic: C-H-A-N-D-I-G-A-R-H: Construction Happened After Nehru's Independence Goals Achieved, Roughly 1950s

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