Author:

Abhirup Maity

Ph.D Research Scholar
Centre for Studies in Social Sciences
Jadavpur University
Kolkata, West Bengal,India

Email: Abhirup.iti@gmail.com

Abstract::This essay examines how the reordering and reorganizing of spaces during colonial rule created new recreational areas, such as playgrounds and parks, through a detailed case study of colonial Calcutta. The article explores how British town planning’s dual aspects manifested in ‘spaces of play.’ These spaces reflected colonial modernity, Victorian values, and colonial masculinity through modern sports, while simultaneously becoming sites of national consciousness and resistance. Furthermore, the article investigates how these spaces triggered broader questions about the civilizational impact of colonialism—whether it imposed new norms or disrupted existing continuities. The article stresses the role of Maidan and explores the politics behind the construction.

Key Words::Architecture,Bengal,Calcutta, Playground, Town Planning etc.