The British Rule in India World Cultures South Asia

British Empire in India

Britain represented by the woman and the power of the British Empire by the lion.

East India Company ship – bears flag of the company.

East India Company 1760s - East India Company (British Trading Company) was given the power by British government to regulate and become involved in India’s political and military affairs. English trade gold and silver for Indian cotton, silks, spices, and tea

Figure represents India offering her riches to Britain.

Figure with vase represents China. She has a box of tea at her knees. Figure behind her bears a bundle of cotton.

Roman god Mercury supervising scene, suggests a connection between the Roman Empire and British Empire.

Figure is Old Father Thames, representing London and the city's power.

East India Company  Exploits weak Indian government  Discourages development of local industry Ex: spinning cotton cloth  Collect taxes from people 1719 coin 1804 coin

Sir Robert Clive Director of the East India Company Collected taxes Set laws and created a court system

Sepoy Rebellion (Mutiny)  To help Clive, British hired Indian soldiers, known as Sepoy’s, to protect the company’s interests in the regions from other nations  – Rumor started that British were issuing Sepoy’s bullets greased with cow/pig fat. Why is this a problem?  Sepoy’s refused to load bullets into their rifles and a rampage ensued 50 British men women, children killed Sepoy’s end up losing and British Parliament transferred powers of East India Company directly to British government (Queen Victoria) “Jewel in the Crown” – Official colony in 1858

Sepoys, 1850s Mangal Pandey Sepoys, 1850s Mangal Pandey

Official Colony of England under Queen Victoria in 1858 British Raj - the British Indian Empire

British Influence over Indian Society  Viceroy – a governor who acts in the name of the British crown Enforcing London’s policies from Calcutta  Result: The Sepoy Rebellion and its aftermath increased political awareness among the Indian people of the abuses of British rule.  Read Benefits/Costs of British Rule in India Complete the chart