Introduction

Casual Wards: These were the night shelters set up by the Poor Law authorities.

Fly shuttle: It is a mechanical device used for weaving, moved by means of ropes and pulleys. It places the horizontal threads (called the weft) into the vertical threads (called the warp).

Metropolis: A large, density populated city of a country or state, often the capital of the region.

Night refugees: Shelters where jobseekers would spend their night; these were put up by private individuals.

Orient: The countries to the east of the Mediterranean, usually referring to Asia. The term arises out of a western viewpoint that sees this region as premodern, traditional and mysterious.

Sepoy: Refers to an Indian soldier in the service of the British.

Urbanization: Development of a city or town.