How did British rule shape the separation between European and Indian neighborhoods in Kolkata?

Under British rule, Kolkata (then Calcutta) developed into a city defined by a distinct spatial separation between European and Indian populations. This segregation was a foundational element of the city's colonial urban planning, resulting in two coexisting but separate sectors.1

The "White Town," or European sector, was established on ground that was specifically raised and drained to improve living conditions. This area featured a grid-pattern street layout and was characterized by numerous grand palaces, earning it the moniker "city of palaces". In contrast, the Indian sector developed largely outside this central core, often in areas that grew more haphazardly.12

Historically, the European population resided in the city center, while the Indian population was concentrated to the north and south. This divide was further reinforced by the construction of Fort William, which served as the symbol of British military ascendancy and the anchor for the European district. While the modern city has evolved, this historical pattern of segregation left a lasting imprint on the urban landscape, influencing the distribution of residential and commercial areas today.3452