Birth of Economization in Colonial India's Public Works

Kairavi Ketan Maniar

HR4003

This project rigorously explores the economy as a 'non-human' actant and its pivotal role in the design and construction of late nineteenth-century civic buildings. Focusing on the Public Works Department, it scrutinizes strategic measures taken by the colonial administration to achieve economization. Through an in-depth analysis of primary sources from the Pune PWD Archives and Administrative Reports, the research explores the economic dynamics shaping 'productive' and 'non-productive' public works. The studio's outcomes encompass a comprehensive traditional research paper and an illustrative visual board, presenting a multifaceted understanding of the economic dimensions influencing the construction industry during this period.

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Module: Reading PWD Archives In this module, a selected archival document is closely examined through a detailed analysis of the document's structure, understanding its content, and identifying the individuals mentioned. Within this document, there is an opportunity to bring new perspectives and identify gaps to the existing research domain. Four editions of ‘The Specification, Rates and Notes on Work’ were taken into study. It aims to explore the transformation of Public Works Department (PWD) manuals in architectural construction over time, shedding light on the changing construction practices, materials, and roles of different stakeholders. The analysis begins with the 1875 PWD manual authored by Captain E.L. Marryat and spans through the 1965 edition by K.V. Joglekar. This timeline-based investigation uncovers crucial shifts in construction methods and the socio-technical landscape.

Module: Visual Analysis Analyzing photographs is a crucial method for comprehending and interpreting visual details about buildings. Photographs serve as invaluable records, revealing insights into a building's appearance, materials, and design. Illustrated in Poona Ekakali, these images spotlight the labor hierarchy, construction methods, and technology employed in bridge construction. The construction world extends beyond the physical structure; it involves various 'human' and 'non-human' elements that contribute to the construction process. This highlights the significance of considering these diverse factors to fully grasp the role of construction in shaping the built environment.

Module: Reading Secondary Literature After reading secondary literature, a preliminary set of research questions was formulated to comprehensively explore our area of interest. This process is instrumental in guiding the search for specific materials during the visit to the PWD Archives of Pune.

Module: Reading PWD Archives In this module, a selected archival document is closely examined through a detailed analysis of the document's structure, understanding its content, and identifying the individuals mentioned. The document selected here is The Public Works Department Code V. 1 of 1892 in order to understand the official narrative about administration procedures under the PWD. This formal analysis sheds light on a methodically structured administration implemented by the colonial authority to undertake public works and manage associated financial records.

Developing an Arguement Following a thorough examination of official narratives and a review of secondary literature, the research questions emerged, with the archival material playing a pivotal role in shaping these inquiries.

Module: Reading PWD Archives A comprehensive examination of the Administrative reports of the Bombay Presidency was undertaken to gain insights into the economic significance of 'non-productive' civil works carried out by the Public Works Department.

Module: Reading PWD Archives This module focused on an in-depth analysis of correspondence letters related to a specific non-productive civic project. The objective was to gain insights into the ground realities and challenges faced by Public Works Department (PWD) engineers as they sought to implement cost-effective measures and economize on the project.

Reflective Insights: In conclusion, this paper has delved into the colonial framework of risk regulations and managerial methods, highlighting their evolution in monitoring economic risks. A critical examination has been offered on the visual representation associated with this framework, revealing its tendency to suppress internal differences. Through reflective insights, this section highlights the dynamics within the colonial approach to risk management and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of its visual representations.