‘Horn Please’: The evolution and regulation of traffic in twentieth-century India

Abstract

The article explores the changes in behaviours and norms that followed the arrival of modern transport: trams, motor cars, buses and motor lorries. The article examines how new forms of behaviours such as the regulation of speed of motor cars, use of traffic lights, or newer methods of using streets such as walking on footpaths impacted the interaction between the authorities and people living within cities. The article shows that ideas of modern behaviour, centred on maintaining discipline and order on the streets were endorsed by the government but were contested and reluctantly adapted by the people. It also highlights the existence of social biases in administrative decisions connected to street use. This is evident in the analysis of accidents when the Indian driver and his lack of physical strength is equated with his incapability to drive a tram. This essentialisation takes place at both ends. Such debates occurred on the lines of race and class. For instance, the industrial workforce which migrated from rural areas had to learn new skills to navigate different spaces in the city. Apart from the factory, their activities on the streets were also scrutinised, such as when their inability to understand traffic rules was attributed to their rural background. Thus, in certain cases, transport mobility is incompatible with social mobility.