British India : Traders to Rulers The Crown Jewel

East India Company 1600s British entered Mughal India (Islamic Empire) as traders—economic interest

East India Company EIC struggled at first, but after defeating the French and the decline (weakening) of the Mughal Empire allowed them to become a dominant force in the region. They shipped over British soldiers and hired and trained native soldiers to protect their interests. As the EIC grew in strength they started taking hundreds of kingdoms Alliances Protectorates Wars

Diversity Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Farsi (Zoroastrian), Christians, Jews, etc. India was diverse. 100s of languages and traditions “Divide and Rule” Encouraged competition and disunity.

Westernization Created roads, created army, police force etc Created the idea of “India” Legal codes Established roads, transportation, and communication Western education and reforms “Sati” – Widow Burning “Thagis” – organized murderers who practiced human sacrifice Infanticide Universities

SATI

British Rule After the loss of the American colonies, the British took great lengths to respected the native’s culture and traditions of their colonies. However, as they became more powerful they became more intolerant. Respect was replaced with inequality and mistreatment Natives became second class citizens and servants to the British rulers.

Painful road to Self-Rule Nationalism in India Painful road to Self-Rule

WWI Indians participated in WWI – hoping it would lead to greater reforms at home No significant reforms were made Indians became increasingly unhappy with their rulers

Amritsar Massacre Large peaceful protesters were shot by the British Killed over 400 Wounded 1100 Women and children It upset the Indians even more

Growing Nationalism Indian National Congress mostly Hindu middle class with western education believed in a peaceful protest to gain more power to the Indians (Self-Rule) Independence of India Muslim League—Represented interest of the Muslims Muslims were afraid of Hindu Majority

Mohandas K. Gandhi Leader of the Indian National Congress Iconic nationalist hero of India He will unite Indians of different religion and classes to defy the British rule.

Mohandas K. Gandhi “Mahatma” (Great Soul) Organized Campaigns Nonviolence Ahimsa – “Non-harming” of all life Civil Disobedience Refusal to obey unjust rule Boycotting (refusal to buy) Equal rights : men, women, and caste Untouchables : lowest class in Hindu society

Civil Disobedience Salt was monopolized by the British Salt March It was illegal to take or sell salt without permission Salt March Gandhi and his followers made 240 mile march to the sea. Where he picked up lump of sea salt Other Indians followed Gandhi was arrested

Consequence Thousands of Indians were imprisoned, beaten, and killed Showed the world the brutality of British Rule Indians were gradually given more power