| Summary/Abstract |
This article traces the historical roots of contemporary housing struggles in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, emphasising the long-term impacts of post-Partition refugee resettlement. Analysing Partition as a ‘critical event’, we discuss the distinct ways in which local administrators, political leaders and city residents responded to the arrival of hundreds of thousands of refugees, traumatised, impoverished and made homeless by Partition. As they responded, city boundaries were expanded, housing policies were revised and new political repertories were established. Noting both the ruptures and continuities, we present a framework for analysing the impacts of critical events on urban politics and housing rights.
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