New Delhi: A familiar echo of British Raj, the venerable term “Civil Lines”, designating exclusive residential areas once reserved for colonial administrators, may soon become a relic of the past. As India intensifies its nationwide drive to shed colonial-era vestiges and infuse governance with indigenous traditions and culture, the distinctive “Civil Lines” nomenclature and concept have been earmarked for significant review and potential elimination, according to a report by the Times of India.
This sweeping initiative is part of a broader mandate from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued in January, instructing ministers and top bureaucrats to identify and propose alternatives to practices and terminologies rooted in British rule. The goal is a “comprehensive decolonisation of mindsets, fostering a national identity deeply embedded in Indian heritage”.
Conceived in the 19th century, “Civil Lines” districts were meticulously planned and developed as symbols of British authority and privilege. These enclaves boasted superior infrastructure and offered secluded, upscale residences for senior British civilian officials, purposefully distanced from the bustling, older parts of Indian cities and their vibrant markets. They served as a stark physical manifestation of the colonial hierarchy.
Even today, these historically significant neighbourhoods persist across various Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and notably, Delhi. They have long retained a distinctive character, often marked by expansive bungalows and verdant avenues, setting them apart from the surrounding urban sprawl.
An urban planner and architect, who has extensively researched British-period town planning, observed that “Civil Lines” represented a deliberate approach to urban development. “On one side of the city, you had a cantonment board, and on the other, Civil Lines. This was the blueprint for how many Indian cities evolved,” he explained to TOI.
However, former Delhi Development Authority (DDA) commissioner (planning) AK Jain suggests that the symbolic power of these names has waned over time. “Civil Lines areas across the country have undergone a complete transformation,” Jain told TOI.
“Bungalows have given way to multi-storey buildings; populations have exploded, and these areas are now fully integrated into the main city fabric. Therefore, changing names arguably holds little real significance today.” He further noted that the colonial period saw the establishment of nearly 75 cantonments across India, with “Civil Lines” functioning as their civilian administrative counterparts.
This isn’t the first time the government has moved to rename landmarks bearing colonial associations. Over the last decade, several prominent roads and offices have been rechristened, most notably the iconic Race Course Road in Delhi, which was renamed Lok Kalyan Marg