Question

In which of the following places, India's the first Municipal Corporation was set up?

• A. Calcutta
• B. Madras
• C. Bombay
• D. Surat

Hint:

Remember the year 1688 for Madras. It predates the corporations of Bombay and Calcutta by nearly 40 years.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Local self-government in India has a long history, but its formal modern structure began during the British colonial period to manage the growing urban centers (Presidency towns).

Step 1: Historical Context.
The first step toward urban local government was taken in the 17th century by the British East India Company. The objective was to provide civic amenities and raise taxes for the maintenance of the town.

Step 2: The First Corporation.
The Madras Municipal Corporation (now Chennai) was established in 1688. This makes it the oldest municipal body in India and the second oldest in the world outside the United Kingdom.

Step 3: Subsequent Developments.
Similar corporations were later established in Bombay and Calcutta in 1726. Much later, in 1882, Lord Ripon (known as the "Father of Local Self-Government in India") passed a resolution that provided a more democratic framework for these local bodies.