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City and Civilization

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Mehichu Kath
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2K views4 pages

City and Civilization

Uploaded by

Mehichu Kath
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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City and Civilization

Civilization:
According to Ghurye, "Civilization is the sum total of social
heritage projected on the social plane".
Civilization refers to a complex society with advanced culture,
technology, government, and social organization. It often
involves cities, writing systems, art, and scientific knowledge.

G.S. Ghurye talked about important aspects of civilizations in


his works. Here are the key features he highlighted:

1. Urbanisation: Ghurye stressed the importance of cities in


civilizations. Urbanization involves many people living in
cities, leading to complex social interactions, economic
activities, and cultural growth.

2. Division of labor: He pointed out the presence of


specialized roles in civilized societies. The division of labor
helps in efficient production and distribution of goods and
services, promoting economic growth and social diversity.

3. Social Stratification: Ghurye discussed the presence of


social hierarchies based on wealth, power, and prestige. Social
stratification creates different social classes within a
civilization with varying access to resources and
opportunities.

4. Cultural Complexities: Civilizations have diverse cultural


traditions like languages, religions, arts, and customs. Ghurye
emphasized how cultural complexity shapes the identity and
dynamics of civilized societies.
5. Technological Advancement: He highlighted the
importance of technological innovation in advancing
civilizations. Technological progress, such as in agriculture,
writing systems, and transportation, helps civilizations
overcome challenges, enhance living standards, and extend
their influence.

6. Political Organization: Ghurye talked about the structured


political systems in civilizations, ranging from monarchies to
city-states. Political institutions manage social relationships,
enforce laws, and provide frameworks for collective decision-
making.

7. Religious and Philosophical Systems: Religion and


philosophy are significant in shaping the beliefs and values of
civilized societies. Ghurye noted the prevalence of religious
and philosophical systems in civilizations, influencing their
norms and values.

Cities:
G.S Ghurye observed that cities serve as hubs of economic,
political, and cultural activities, where diverse groups of
people interact, exchange ideas, and innovate. They become
centers of trade, administration, education, and art, fostering
the growth of civilizations.
Furthermore, Ghurye highlighted how cities act as melting
pots of various cultures, languages, religions, and traditions,
leading to the synthesis and evolution of new cultural forms.

Based on Ghurye’s observations and sociological principles,


cities can be classified into different ways :
1. Size and Population: Cities can be sorted by how many
people live there, from small towns to big cities. Ghurye
studied how the number of people in a city affects how they
interact, do business, and express their culture there.

2. Function and Economic Base: Cities can be grouped by


what they mainly do to make money. Some focus on industry,
while others are known for trade, government, or education
and arts. Ghurye looked at how these different economic
activities shape how cities are set up socially and physically.

3. Political Significance: Cities often act as important


political hubs, housing government buildings and decision-
making centers. Ghurye made distinctions between capital
cities, regional administrative hubs, and local government
centers, showing how politics influences how cities grow and
change.

4. Cultural and Historical Significance: Cities differ in their


cultural heritage, historical importance, and famous buildings.
Ghurye emphasized how cities keep and display their cultural
traditions, historical sites, and stories, which help define their
unique character and history.

5. Geographical Location and Climate: Cities can be


classified based on where they are located, like by the sea, in
mountains, or in deserts. Ghurye studied how these factors
affect how cities grow, how people live there, and the
environmental challenges they face.

6. Social Composition and Diversity: Cities have diverse


populations with different backgrounds. Ghurye looked at
how this diversity influences relationships between
communities, cultural exchanges, and who feels included or
excluded in a city.
1. Size and Population: Cities vary in size from small towns to big cities, affecting how
people interact and express their culture.
2. Function and Economic Base: Cities make money through different activities like
industry, trade, government, or education. This influences how cities are structured socially
and physically.
3. Political Significance: Cities serve as political centers with government buildings.
Ghurye distinguished between capital cities, regional hubs, and local government centers,
showing how politics shapes cities.
4. Cultural and Historical Significance: Cities differ in culture, history, and famous
landmarks. Ghurye highlighted how cities preserve and showcase their traditions, history,
and unique character.
5. Geographical Location and Climate: Cities differ based on their location like near the
sea, in mountains, or deserts. Ghurye studied how these factors impact city growth, living
conditions, and environmental challenges.
6. Social Composition and Diversity: Cities have diverse populations with various
backgrounds. Ghurye examined how this diversity affects relationships, cultural
exchanges, and feelings of inclusion or exclusion in a city.

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