A Critical Study on Relation Between Inter-Communal/Caste Ghettoism & Urbanization Pattern vis-a-vis Spatial Growth, Efficiency and Equity : A Case Study of Ahmedabad, India

Rationale of the study: In terms of population and space, Ahmedabad is one of the largest cities in India. Its commercial, cultural and political importance is equally significant. One of the research studies concluded that total death during communal riots (Hindu - Muslim, based on religion) in relevant period; were 96% urban, where as total urban population in the country is only one third. There are total 3000+ urban conglomerations in India; where as only 8 cities (including Ahmedabad) contributed half the death in said communal riots. Ahmedabad is one of the worst hit cities affected due to communal riots. The city also experienced two caste based (upper & lower caste) riots in 20th century. 2002 riots pictured the city as notoriety. The constitutional mandate prohibits discrimination on base of religion, caste and creed etc; and hence formal census on such basis is not possible. But vox populi & prima facie observation suggests that the city is grown into pockets of particular communities or castes. This has prompted us to analyze the pattern of such ghettoism and its impact on spatial growth, efficiency (economic) and equity (social). Research Objectives: 1. To study which forces designed ghettoism (communal & caste based) pattern of urban development of Ahmedabad? 2. What is the economic impact of such ghettoism on a particular community or caste vis-à-vis the whole community? 3. What is the social impact of such ghettoism on a particular community or caste vis-à-vis the whole community? Research Methodology: This is exploratory study based on secondary & primary data. Our study is based on secondary data between 1950 and 2005. We will see the growth pattern of rural vs. urban population and other major urban centers vs. Ahmedabad. Than we will study growth of well known ghettoized pockets in the city. We will conduct primary study by selecting appropriate sample size from the pockets in question and other part of the cities. Using statistical tools we will critically analyze the pattern of such ghettoism and its impact on spatial growth, efficiency & equity. Conclusion: On the basis of our study, we would like to derive any conclusion why and how interaction between different communities, racial and religious groups decides the fate of growth & pattern of the city, which factors promote & strengthen and which factors exacerbate social relations. The research output may be useful to the government, academia, NGOs and researchers