COLONIAL RULE AND URBANIZATION: A STUDY OF KARACHI’S EVOLUTION FROM SINDH’S PORT TOWN TO PROVINCIAL CAPITAL

Abstract

This study examines the urban development of Karachi under British imperial governance from 1843 to 1947, tracing the city’s transformation from a modest town into a thriving metropolis. The development of Karachi is explored in three distinct phases. The first phase (1843-1847) focused on establishing military and police authority in the city. The second phase (1847-1936) saw significant architectural and infrastructural growth as part of the Bombay Presidency’s broader colonial strategy. In the final phase (1936-1947), Karachi emerged as an independent imperial metropolis within the newly established Sindh province. Using historical, and qualitative methods, this study explores the political, institutional, and demographic shifts that shaped Karachi’s urban landscape. The paper also highlights Karachi’s strategic importance during World War II, when it became a vital economic hub for the British Raj. This research reveals how Karachi’s development was influenced by both local needs and imperial priorities, shedding light on the lasting legacies of colonial governance on the city’s social and architectural fabric. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on colonial urbanism by underscoring Karachi’s unique trajectory, particularly its role as a military and trade hub.