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Study Guide: Chandigarh: Urban Planning, Architecture, and Socio-Cultural Dynamics

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Chandigarh: Urban Planning, Architecture, and Socio-Cultural Dynamics Study Guide

Founding and Historical Context

The establishment of Chandigarh was necessitated by the Partition of India in 1947, which resulted in Lahore becoming part of Pakistan.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Partition of India in 1947 rendered Lahore, the former capital of Punjab, part of Pakistan, creating the need for a new capital city in East Punjab, leading to the development of Chandigarh.

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Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned Chandigarh as a symbol of India's future aspirations, distinct from its past traditions and colonial legacy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned Chandigarh as a modern symbol of India's freedom and future aspirations, deliberately breaking from colonial traditions and past constraints.

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Chandigarh was officially inaugurated in 1953 by India's first President, Rajendra Prasad, not Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official inauguration of Chandigarh took place on October 7, 1953, presided over by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

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Identify the principal architects involved in the initial conceptualization and master planning of Chandigarh.

Answer: Albert Mayer, Maciej Nowicki, and Le Corbusier

Explanation: The initial planning and design of Chandigarh involved Albert Mayer, Maciej Nowicki, and later, Le Corbusier and his team.

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Which pivotal historical event necessitated the establishment of Chandigarh as a new capital?

Answer: The Partition of India in 1947

Explanation: The Partition of India in 1947, which resulted in Lahore becoming part of Pakistan, necessitated the creation of Chandigarh as a new capital for East Punjab.

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What did Jawaharlal Nehru envision Chandigarh symbolizing for post-independence India?

Answer: A modern city representing India's freedom and future aspirations.

Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned Chandigarh as a symbol of modern India, representing freedom, future aspirations, and a departure from colonial influences.

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Identify the primary planning philosophy that influenced Albert Mayer's initial master plan for Chandigarh.

Answer: The Garden City movement and the Radburn idea

Explanation: Albert Mayer's initial master plan for Chandigarh was influenced by the Garden City movement and the Radburn idea.

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Who officiated the inauguration of Chandigarh on October 7, 1953?

Answer: Rajendra Prasad, President of India

Explanation: India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, officiated the inauguration ceremony of Chandigarh on October 7, 1953.

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Urban Planning and Architectural Design

The master plan for Chandigarh was exclusively the work of the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Le Corbusier was instrumental in the design, the initial master plan was developed by Albert Mayer, with contributions from Maciej Nowicki, before Le Corbusier's team refined and executed the project.

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In 2016, Chandigarh's Capitol Complex received UNESCO World Heritage status as part of a global collection of Le Corbusier's architectural works.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh's Capitol Complex was recognized by UNESCO in 2016 as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its significance within a global ensemble of Le Corbusier's architectural achievements.

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Albert Mayer's initial master plan for Chandigarh incorporated principles from the Garden City movement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Albert Mayer's initial master plan for Chandigarh was influenced by the Garden City movement and the Radburn idea, proposing a layout based on interconnected neighborhood units.

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Le Corbusier's modifications to Mayer's plan involved introducing a rectilinear grid system, rather than replacing it with a curvilinear layout.

Answer: True

Explanation: Le Corbusier's team modified Mayer's plan by implementing a rectilinear grid system, including a seven-tiered road structure, which differed from Mayer's proposed curvilinear street layout.

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The Capitol Complex in Chandigarh was designed to accommodate key governmental structures, including the Secretariat, the High Court, and the Governor's Palace.

Answer: True

Explanation: Le Corbusier's design for Chandigarh's Capitol Complex included the Secretariat, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the Governor's Palace (later envisioned as the Museum of Knowledge).

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Chandigarh's road network is structured according to a seven-tiered grid plan designated as 'les Sept Voies'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh's urban layout features a distinctive seven-tiered road system, known as 'les Sept Voies' or 'the Seven V's'.

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The Open Hand Monument, completed in 1985, symbolizes Chandigarh's dedication to non-alignment.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Open Hand Monument, completed in 1985, serves as a symbol of Chandigarh's commitment to non-alignment and represents the 'second machine age'.

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The Punjab and Haryana High Court, a significant landmark designed by Le Corbusier, functions as the judicial center for both states.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Punjab and Haryana High Court, a key structure designed by Le Corbusier, serves as the judicial hub for both Punjab and Haryana.

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Chandigarh's architectural evolution influenced Indian architecture by fostering the adaptation and 'Indianization' of the International Style.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh's architectural development significantly influenced Indian architecture by promoting the adaptation and 'Indianization' of the International Style.

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What significant international recognition was conferred upon Chandigarh's Capitol Complex in July 2016?

Answer: Inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Explanation: In July 2016, Chandigarh's Capitol Complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of a global ensemble of Le Corbusier's works.

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Contrast Le Corbusier's design modifications with Albert Mayer's initial master plan for Chandigarh.

Answer: Le Corbusier introduced a seven-tiered rectilinear grid, replacing Mayer's curvilinear concept.

Explanation: Le Corbusier's team modified Mayer's plan by introducing a rectilinear grid system with a seven-tiered road structure, diverging from Mayer's original curvilinear concept.

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Identify the structure that was NOT a primary component of Le Corbusier's original design for Chandigarh's Capitol Complex.

Answer: The Supreme Court of India

Explanation: The Supreme Court of India was not part of Le Corbusier's original design for the Capitol Complex; the complex included the Secretariat, Palace of Assembly, and Governor's Palace.

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What is the designation for Chandigarh's distinctive road network system?

Answer: The Seven V's (les Sept Voies)

Explanation: Chandigarh's road network is characterized by a unique seven-tiered grid system known as 'les Sept Voies' or 'the Seven V's'.

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What symbolic meaning is associated with the 'Open Hand Monument' in Chandigarh?

Answer: The 'second machine age' and non-alignment.

Explanation: The 'Open Hand Monument' in Chandigarh symbolizes the 'second machine age' and the city's commitment to non-alignment.

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Governance and Administration

Chandigarh functions as the capital for the states of Punjab and Haryana and is concurrently administered as a union territory.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh serves as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana and is also designated as a union territory, reflecting its unique administrative status.

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Following the linguistic reorganization of Punjab in 1966, Chandigarh was designated as a union territory.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1966, as part of the reorganization of Punjab along linguistic lines, Chandigarh was established as a union territory to resolve inter-state claims.

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The administration of Chandigarh is concurrently held by the Governor of Punjab.

Answer: True

Explanation: As a union territory, Chandigarh is administered by an administrator, who concurrently serves as the Governor of Punjab.

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Chandigarh does not possess its own state assembly, functioning under direct central government administration.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh, as a union territory, does not have a state assembly and operates under direct administration by the central government.

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Responsibilities of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh include the maintenance of street lighting and public parks.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh is tasked with civic duties such as maintaining street lighting and managing public parks.

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What is Chandigarh's dual administrative function in relation to the states of Punjab and Haryana?

Answer: It serves as the shared capital for both Punjab and Haryana.

Explanation: Chandigarh functions as the capital city for both the states of Punjab and Haryana.

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What significant administrative status was conferred upon Chandigarh in 1966?

Answer: It was designated as a union territory.

Explanation: In 1966, following the reorganization of Punjab along linguistic lines, Chandigarh was designated as a union territory.

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Who currently holds the position of Administrator of Chandigarh concurrently with the Governorship of Punjab?

Answer: Gulab Chand Kataria

Explanation: Gulab Chand Kataria currently serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh, holding this position concurrently with the Governorship of Punjab.

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Describe Chandigarh's representation within the national legislature of India.

Answer: Through one seat in the Lok Sabha, elected via general elections.

Explanation: Chandigarh is represented by one Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, elected through general elections, as it lacks its own state assembly.

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Enumerate the primary civic responsibilities managed by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.

Answer: Cleanliness, sanitation, street lighting, and park maintenance.

Explanation: The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh is responsible for essential civic duties including cleanliness, sanitation, street lighting, and the maintenance of parks.

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Urban Landscape and Cultural Identity

The nickname 'The City of Dreams' is attributed to Chandigarh's futuristic urban planning.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chandigarh is known as 'The City of Beauty,' a nickname inspired by the 'City Beautiful' movement, not 'The City of Dreams'.

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The name 'Chandigarh' signifies 'Fortress of the Sun God' and is derived from a village temple dedicated to Surya.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name 'Chandigarh' translates to 'Fortress of Chandi,' derived from the goddess Chandi, not the Sun God Surya.

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The Chandi Mandir, the temple that gives the city its name, is situated on the outskirts of Chandigarh, in Panchkula, Haryana.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chandi Mandir, the temple from which the city derives its name, is located on the outskirts of Chandigarh, specifically in Panchkula, Haryana.

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The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is primarily constructed from discarded materials such as pottery, broken tiles, and industrial waste, not natural rock formations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Rock Garden of Chandigarh, created by Nek Chand, is uniquely composed of discarded materials like pottery, broken tiles, and industrial waste.

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Chandigarh's flora includes extensive plantations of banyan and eucalyptus trees, alongside other species, not solely banyan trees.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh's vegetation is diverse, featuring dense plantations of banyan and eucalyptus trees, among others, rather than being limited solely to banyan trees.

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The Heritage Trees of Chandigarh initiative focuses on identifying and documenting trees that have reached an age of 100 years or more.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Heritage Trees of Chandigarh initiative aims to identify and grant heritage status to trees that are at least a century old.

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Sukhna Lake is an artificial, rain-fed lake created by damming the Sukhna Choe stream.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sukhna Lake is an artificial lake, formed in 1958 by constructing a dam across the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream.

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The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is distinguished as the largest rose garden in Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden holds the distinction of being the largest rose garden in Asia.

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Chandigarh is frequently referred to as a 'Pensioner's Paradise' owing to its substantial population of retirees, notably from the armed forces.

Answer: True

Explanation: The nickname 'Pensioner's Paradise' is applied to Chandigarh due to its significant population of retirees, particularly former members of the armed forces.

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The annual Rose Festival in Chandigarh is celebrated in February, not during the monsoon season.

Answer: True

Explanation: The annual Rose Festival in Chandigarh takes place in February, distinct from the monsoon season.

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From what source does Chandigarh derive its nickname, 'The City of Beauty'?

Answer: It reflects the influence of the 'City Beautiful' movement in North America.

Explanation: Chandigarh's nickname, 'The City of Beauty,' originates from the influence of the 'City Beautiful' movement, a North American urban planning philosophy.

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Elucidate the etymological origin and meaning of the name 'Chandigarh'.

Answer: Derived from 'Chandi,' meaning 'goddess,' and 'Garh,' meaning 'fortress,' from a village temple.

Explanation: The name 'Chandigarh' is derived from 'Chandi,' referring to the goddess Chandi, and 'Garh,' meaning fortress, originating from a village temple dedicated to the goddess.

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Specify the location of the Chandi Mandir, the temple from which the city derives its name.

Answer: On the outskirts of Chandigarh, in Panchkula, Haryana.

Explanation: The Chandi Mandir, associated with the city's name, is located on the outskirts of Chandigarh, within Panchkula, Haryana.

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What is distinctive about the materials employed in the construction of the Rock Garden of Chandigarh?

Answer: It is made from discarded materials like pottery and industrial waste.

Explanation: The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is uniquely constructed using discarded materials such as pottery, broken tiles, and industrial waste.

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Identify fauna mentioned as present in Chandigarh's environment.

Answer: Deer, sambars, barking deer, parrots, woodpeckers, and peacocks

Explanation: Fauna found in Chandigarh's environment includes deer, sambars, barking deer, parrots, woodpeckers, and peacocks.

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What is the objective of the 'Heritage Trees of Chandigarh' initiative?

Answer: To identify and grant heritage status to trees that are at least a hundred years old.

Explanation: The 'Heritage Trees of Chandigarh' initiative aims to identify and confer heritage status upon trees that have reached an age of one hundred years or more.

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Describe the method by which Sukhna Lake was created.

Answer: By constructing a dam across the Sukhna Choe stream.

Explanation: Sukhna Lake was created artificially by constructing a dam across the Sukhna Choe stream.

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What is the primary significance of the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden?

Answer: It is Asia's largest rose garden, featuring numerous varieties.

Explanation: The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is significant as Asia's largest rose garden, housing a vast collection of rose varieties and other plants.

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To what demographic characteristic is Chandigarh's nickname 'Pensioner's Paradise' attributed?

Answer: A large population of retirees, particularly from government service.

Explanation: Chandigarh's nickname 'Pensioner's Paradise' is attributed to its significant population of retirees, especially those from government service and the armed forces.

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Which significant annual festival takes place in Chandigarh during the Navratri period?

Answer: Ramlila

Explanation: Ramlila, a major festival, is celebrated annually in Chandigarh during the Navratri period.

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Socio-Economic Profile and Development

Chandigarh ranks highly in human development indices and was recognized as India's happiest city in a 2015 survey.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh holds a high Human Development Index ranking and was identified as India's happiest city in a 2015 survey.

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Chandigarh's climate is classified as humid subtropical, characterized by intensely hot summers and mild winters.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cwa), featuring very hot summers and mild winters.

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The 2011 census indicated Chandigarh's population density was approximately 9,252 persons per square kilometer.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the 2011 census, Chandigarh's population density was recorded at approximately 9,252 persons per square kilometer.

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Hindi is the predominant language spoken in Chandigarh, with Punjabi being the second most common.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hindi is the most widely spoken language in Chandigarh, followed by Punjabi as the second most prevalent.

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Hinduism is the predominant religion in Chandigarh, followed by Sikhism as the second largest.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hinduism is the predominant religion in Chandigarh, with Sikhism being the second largest religious group.

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In 2020, approximately 55% of children under five years of age in Chandigarh were affected by anemia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Health data from 2020 indicates that approximately 55% of children under five in Chandigarh suffered from anemia.

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In 2020, a smaller percentage of women aged 15-49 in Chandigarh were underweight compared to the significant percentage who were overweight or obese.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2020, 13% of women aged 15-49 in Chandigarh were underweight, while a larger proportion, 44%, were overweight or obese.

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Chandigarh's cleanliness ranking declined significantly, falling 66 positions by 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh experienced a notable decline in its cleanliness ranking, dropping 66 positions by 2021 from its previous standing.

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Chandigarh is recognized as one of India's wealthiest towns, characterized by a high per capita income.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh is acknowledged as one of India's wealthiest towns, distinguished by its high per capita income and robust financial sector presence.

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The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park was established to foster growth in the information technology sector, not agricultural development.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park was developed to promote the information technology sector, contributing significantly to the city's economic growth.

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Chandigarh exhibits the highest number of vehicles per capita among Indian cities, facilitated by its well-designed road infrastructure.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh leads Indian cities in vehicle ownership per capita, supported by its extensive and well-maintained road network.

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Chandigarh Airport provides connectivity to major Indian cities and offers international flights to destinations such as Dubai and Sharjah.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh Airport serves as a key transport hub, connecting the city to major domestic destinations and offering international flights to Dubai and Sharjah.

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What distinction was awarded to Chandigarh among Indian cities in a 2015 survey?

Answer: Happiest city

Explanation: A 2015 survey identified Chandigarh as the happiest city in India.

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What is the classification of Chandigarh's climate?

Answer: Humid subtropical climate

Explanation: Chandigarh's climate is classified as humid subtropical (Köppen: Cwa).

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What was Chandigarh's population density as recorded in the 2011 census?

Answer: Approximately 9,252 persons per square kilometer.

Explanation: The 2011 census data indicates that Chandigarh had a population density of approximately 9,252 persons per square kilometer.

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Identify the language whose usage in Chandigarh has declined since 1981, concurrent with an increase in Hindi usage.

Answer: Punjabi

Explanation: Punjabi language usage in Chandigarh has seen a decline since 1981, while Hindi usage has increased during the same period.

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What is the predominant religious affiliation among Chandigarh's population?

Answer: Hinduism

Explanation: Hinduism is the predominant religion practiced in Chandigarh, followed by Sikhism.

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What was a primary factor contributing to Chandigarh's decline in cleanliness rankings by 2021?

Answer: Accumulation of garbage at the Dadu Majra dump site.

Explanation: The accumulation of garbage at the Dadu Majra dump site was identified as a significant factor contributing to Chandigarh's decline in cleanliness rankings by 2021.

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What economic indicators support Chandigarh's designation as one of India's 'Wealthiest Towns'?

Answer: It ranks high in per capita income and financial deposit/credit centers.

Explanation: Chandigarh's designation as one of India's 'Wealthiest Towns' is supported by its high per capita income and its standing as a major financial deposit and credit center.

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What is the principal economic function of the Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park?

Answer: Fostering information technology growth.

Explanation: The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park primarily functions to foster growth within the information technology sector.

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What is notable about Chandigarh's vehicle ownership statistics per capita compared to other Indian cities?

Answer: It has the highest vehicle ownership per capita among Indian cities.

Explanation: Chandigarh stands out among Indian cities for having the highest vehicle ownership per capita, facilitated by its well-developed road infrastructure.

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Critiques and Evolution

Chandigarh's planned urban design was seen as an advancement, embodying modernist principles for post-independence India, rather than a regression.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chandigarh's planned urban design represented a progressive embodiment of modernist principles for post-independence India, symbolizing national regeneration.

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A critique of Chandigarh's development centers on the potential overshadowing of contributions from various architects due to an overemphasis on Le Corbusier.

Answer: True

Explanation: One critique of Chandigarh's development highlights the risk of diminishing the contributions of multiple architects by focusing predominantly on Le Corbusier's role.

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The proposed Chandigarh Metro project was officially cancelled in 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: After prolonged proposals, the Chandigarh Metro project was officially cancelled in 2017 due to feasibility concerns.

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Mohali and Panchkula were developed as satellite cities in relation to Chandigarh's planning, serving to manage regional growth and reinforce state claims.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mohali and Panchkula were developed as satellite cities adjacent to Chandigarh, partly to reinforce state claims and manage regional metropolitan growth.

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Chandigarh's modernist housing designs faced criticism for not adequately incorporating local Indian preferences.

Answer: True

Explanation: The modernist housing designs in Chandigarh were subject to criticism for not fully accommodating local Indian preferences and cultural nuances.

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What criticism has been directed at Chandigarh's minimalist aesthetic in its urban development?

Answer: The minimalist aesthetic is considered too 'banal'.

Explanation: A criticism leveled against Chandigarh's urban development pertains to its minimalist aesthetic, which some find to be 'banal'.

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What became of the proposed Chandigarh Metro project?

Answer: It was formally scrapped in 2017 due to feasibility concerns.

Explanation: The proposed Chandigarh Metro project was officially cancelled in 2017 due to feasibility concerns.

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What was the strategic purpose behind the development of satellite cities such as Mohali and Panchkula in proximity to Chandigarh?

Answer: To reinforce state claims over Chandigarh and manage regional growth.

Explanation: The development of satellite cities like Mohali and Panchkula adjacent to Chandigarh served to reinforce state claims over the union territory and manage the broader metropolitan region's growth.

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