Company townships: Past, present & imagining the future

The urban landscape of India is marked by a fascinating duality, where affordable housing and quality living conditions often clash. The working class, historically at the center of this predicament, has been synonymous with various types of settlements such as Mumbai's 'chawls,' Kolkata's 'bastees,' Chennai's 'cheries,' and Kanpur's 'abatas.’ In stark contrast, the concept of industrial townships has emerged as an alternative model, exemplifying superior living standards and community development. This exhibition, curated by Godrej Archives, delves into the evolution of these industrial townships in India, shedding light on their role in India's development.