• Dr. Pratima Chamling Rai

Prior to the British annexation, the hill region of Darjeeling district was almost entirely covered by forest. It was clear by the turn of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century that Darjeeling had reached maturity as an urban center, regardless of its population, its political or administrative role, its civic amenities or its economic or institutional significance. A major factor in the economic development of this region was the growth of the tea industry, timber, Cinchona plantation, trade, and tourism etc. In reality, any development in an economy without taking environmental factors into account can lead to severe environmental damage, impairing the quality of life for the present and the future. Hence, taking all the socio-economic and demographic dynamics into consideration, this paper tries to discuss the historical perspective of Darjeeling which witnessed economic transformation that ushered Urbanization along with ecological and landscape changes. The paper further portrays the urgent need for Sustainable Development which will secure long-term economic growth thereby making the economy of Darjeeling Hills resilient to future risks.

Economic Growth, Tea Industry, Tourism, Urbanization, Sustainable Development.

"Economic Development and Urbanization in Darjeeling Hills: A Historical Perspective", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no.918-926, December-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1812F50.pdf

"Economic Development and Urbanization in Darjeeling Hills: A Historical Perspective", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no. pp918-926, December-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1812F50.pdf