The British Take Over India

East India Company & Rebellion In the early 1600’s, the British East India Company won trading rights to India by 1800’s it controlled over 3/5ths of India. Great Britain was able to conquer India because they exploited Indian diversity and used their superior weapons to overpower local rulers. The East India Company’s main goal was to make money.

Growing Discontent In the 1850’s, the East India Company made several unpopular moves. They required sepoys or Indian soldiers in its service, to serve anywhere even overseas. This violated Hindu religion. They also passed a law which allowed Hindu widows to remarry. Hindus saw both of theses acts as part of a Christian conspiracy to undermine their beliefs.

Sepoy Rebellion Angry sepoys held a rebellion in the 1850’s that took place all across India. The sepoys murder British men, women, and children. The British sought revenge by murder thousands of unarmed Indians.

The Impact of British Colonial Rule 1858, Parliament set up British Raj, system of colonial rule, British viceroy ruled. Made India their “brightest jewel” in their crown. They saw India as a market and a source of raw materials. Population grew due to new medical advancements but many died of starvation Benefits - peace & order in countryside, equal society, railroads, improved communication, education.

Different Views on Culture Westernize or not… Ram Mohun Roy approved of western education and wanted to reform Indian traditions. He is also the founder of Indian nationalism. Some British were impressed with India’s theology & philosophy, but most were not impressed. “a single shelf of a good European library is worth the whole native literature of India & Arabia.” -Thomas Macaulay

Indian Nationalism Grows In 1885, Indian nationalist leaders organized the Indian National Conference. They called for a greater democracy that would bring more power to the Indians themselves. The Muslims League formed out of fear that a Hindu run government would oppress Muslims.