Consider the following incidents/scenarios:
August 15th, 1947, the Indian subcontinent was divided into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. That event marked the end of the British Raj in India. More to the point, that day saw the creation of two Countries based on religious differences.
Modern-day Mumbai is a city characterised by its variety of cultures and religions, mainly Hindu, but also home to significant communities of Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists & Christians. It’s a city where people belonging to the Hindu religion live predominantly on one side of the railway line that cuts through the city & people belonging to the Muslim religion live predominantly on the other side of the railway line.
On the banks of the Panasnala River, Maharastra, there’s a village named Shani Shingnapur. And the speciality of this village is that it has absolutely “no doors”. It is believed that Lord Shani will protect them. It has grown to be a well-liked destination for pilgrims, with over 40,000 people visiting daily and residing in the village.
Shahjahanabad, an Indo-Islamic city in modern-day New Delhi, was designed based on Hindu principles from Vaastushastra. The city was situated on elevated terrain and had a layout in the shape of a bow for prosperity. Chandni Chowk represented the archer’s arm, Yamuna functioned as the string, and the Red Fort denoted the critical intersection of the two primary axes in the area.
These indicate only one thing: In the grand scheme of things, whether we like it or not, religion maps out how people live in a particular area.
It’s almost as if peaceful co-existence directly depends on the outcome of the competition between religions.
Leela Tarang Krishna
In this short read, we delve into the complexities surrounding the role of religion in urban planning, examining the challenges and conflicts that arise. We aim to provide a nuanced understanding of these issues and offer our perspective on whether religion should continue influencing modern city design.
The complexity of city planning & the problems created by Religion:
Urban planning is a complex endeavour encompassing a multitude of factors. It begins with the fundamental task of deciding on a city’s layout, which involves strategically arranging various zones for residential dwellings, bustling commercial centres, industrial activities, serene parks, and a diverse range of structures. This process necessitates the establishment of standardised zoning regulations that ensure harmonious coexistence and development. Moreover, it demands innovative and flexible layout options to optimise land utilisation, ensuring that every square inch of the city is used efficiently and effectively.
Beyond the physical layout, a well-planned city must prioritize the creation of robust transportation networks. These networks serve as the city’s lifeline, seamlessly connecting its diverse components through a multifaceted transportation system. This encompasses a well-maintained network of streets, efficient bus routes, extensive train lines, convenient subways, dedicated bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. The goal is to facilitate smooth and accessible movement for all residents, fostering a sense of connectivity and accessibility within the urban fabric.
In essence, the complexities inherent in urban planning necessitate a holistic and multifaceted approach. It requires a delicate balance between optimizing land use, establishing effective zoning regulations, and creating a comprehensive transportation network. These elements, when thoughtfully integrated, contribute to the creation of a well-functioning and vibrant urban environment that caters to the diverse needs of its inhabitants.
The intricate process of urban planning, already a formidable challenge, becomes even more complex when religious factors are introduced. Religion adds layers of complexity that urban planners cannot disregard. These complexities manifest in four key dimensions:
Spatial Organization & Architecture:
Cities often grew around religious sites like temples, mosques, and churches. This requires Urban planners to designate zones for religious buildings and activities, influencing the city’s overall character and transportation routes. Any bias towards a specific religion while planning will result in a partial division of resources, with one particular sect of people deriving a more significant advantage regarding accessibility, regardless of whether strength exists in numbers. Ex: creating a public transportation route connecting important religious sites in one religion and leaving out the other / making it difficult to have access points to other important religious sites in the other religion.
Public Space & Rituals
Religious practices often require specific spaces for ceremonies, processions, and festivals. This impacts the design and management of public areas, including provisions for large gatherings and temporary structures. In many cases, an entire city is required to be built surrounding that ritual. Ex: Prayagraj (a city in Uttar Pradesh) & MahaKhumbmela 2025 (it is a major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism) – where the entire city is being created around MahaKhumbmela – a sacred event where Hindus visit the place and take a bath in Triveni Sangam (a place where River Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi merge).
Historical Context & Evolution:
Religious buildings often hold historical significance, serving as landmarks and cultural touchstones. Preserving these structures helps maintain a connection to the city’s past. But because India’s past is perhaps the most contentious one – when looked at from the perspective of religions battling others, the challenge to integrate the religions and their history is a massive problem. Take, for example, two cities: Mumbai & Ayodhya – two places determined by Hindu-Muslim conflict and two places where city planning cannot be based on urban city planning principles but only on the individual demands of the religions presiding inside.
Religion, in many instances, poses a significant challenge to the realization of an ideal city envisioned by urban planners. The emphasis on constructing a city that revolves around religious principles often conflicts with the core tenets of inclusivity, social equity, and sustainability. The complexities introduced by religious considerations can hinder the implementation of affordable housing solutions, comprehensive amenities to address homelessness, and effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In an increasingly globalized world that values diversity and interconnectedness, this inherent tension between religious demands and the multifaceted needs of a modern city presents a pressing concern. It is against this backdrop that the following question becomes pertinent: What is the path forward?
The Path Forward: Balancing Faith & Function?
The increasing complexity and diversity of modern cities have sparked a critical debate about the role of religion in urban planning. As societies become more secular and multicultural, there is growing concern that prioritizing religious beliefs might hinder the creation of functional, inclusive, and prosperous cities.
Should urban planning should continue to rely on religious principles or adopt a more secular approach that prioritizes the needs of all residents, regardless of their faith? Is religion compatible with the demands of modern urban life? Can religious considerations be balanced with the need for inclusivity and diversity?
While there are no easy answers, it is clear that the role of religion in urban planning requires careful consideration. If religious influences lead to exclusion, hinder growth, or limit educational opportunities, then relying on religion as a guiding principle for city planning may not be in the best interest of the community. This is because the opportunity cost of prioritizing religious considerations over other critical factors could be significant, potentially impeding long-term development and prosperity.
Striking a balance that respects religious traditions while ensuring inclusivity and functionality is a complex challenge that requires ongoing dialogue and thoughtful consideration. However, if striking such a balance comes at the expense of creating a better urban city, then perhaps it is time rethink the fundamental role of religion in urban design.
Links referred:
https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/posts/religion-and-urban-planning-challenges-and-possibilities
https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/how-should-religion-be-considered-in-urban-planning
