British Imperialism in India -Indian’s perspectives Written by Ji Yoon Hyun (Group Project: Esther Kim, Tim Lee, Ji Yoon Hyun)

Collapse of Mughal Empire British East India Company set up trading posts at Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta because they started having interest in India in the 1600s At first, India’s ruling Mughal Dynasty kept European traders under control But however, the Mughal Empire was collapsing and declined- dozens of small states broke away from Mughal control and the British East India Company quickly seized Indian territory

Impact on Colonialism The British held too much of the political and economic power, restricted industries such as cotton textiles, the conversion to cash crops reduced food production, causing famines, needed to face away Indian religious and social customs, threatened Indian traditional life Caste determined Indian occupations. Jobs were divided by caste, caste were divided into four categories called varna and the Indian civil servents were the fourth varna. Within the varna, jobs were strictly regulated. The life of a British Army and an Indian Servant had highly different differences

Indians Rebel Many Indians believed that the British was not only controlling their land, but were trying to convert the Indians to Christianity Indians were also sick of constant racism that the British expressed toward them Sepoy (Indian Soldiers) Rebellion (Also called as the Sepoy Mutiny): the sepoys captured the city of Delhi and the rebellion spread to northern and central India. But failed because they were too weak in leadership and because there were serious splits between Hindus and Muslims

Turning point of India’s Imperialism The mutiny marked a turning point in Indian History; the British government took direct command of India and the part that was under direct rule was called the Raj. (1757~1947) The British promised that they would respect the Indians and promised that the Indian states that were still free would remain independent but Britain just gained and had greater control The mutiny increased distrust between the British and the Indians

British Imperialism In India (Britain’s perspectives) Written by Tim Lee

The British used east India Company to imperialize India. At first, the British tried to gain control over India for its potential use rather that actual profit. Since England was industrialized, Britain needed great amount of raw material and consumers. Because India had about 300 million people, and was very capable for producing raw materials by plantation, India was a good source for Britain to develop. Later on, when the British built the railroads what were 40000 miles, the India became more useful. That is why the British called India “Jewel in the crown.” Opium also contributed a lot to the growth of England. England sold opium to china and got gold and teas from china. Later on, India itself started to produce teas, which were then favored in Britain. The east India Company tried to take control over India.

British created good transportation system (railroad, paved streets) that brought unity. Not only the transportation, British built irrigation, telegraph lines, dams, canals, and bridges. This later on helped India to develop fast. During the imperialism, public health improved, many schools and institutions were built, and local warfare was eliminated . But Europe also thought that they were better than the Indians. All the high ranks in military were British, and they abolished many traditions of Indians such as caste system, widow suicide, and infanticide. British thought that they were actually helping India to modernize. Because the British were ignoring Indian traditions and treated Indians badly, gossips that the cartridge of the new Enfield rifles were covered with beef and port fat spread. The gossip caused the sepoy mutiny, where sepoys, rebelled against British.

Indian Imperialism Conclusion Written by Esther Kim

Negative conclusion of Imperialism in India… Drained India’s wealth How? Made India become dependent on British Forced India to produce mostly cotton and tea (although southern American colonies soon produced better, cheaper cotton) Also destroyed India’s handicraft and domestic industries by forcing them to produce raw material for the mother country, British. As a result after achieving independence after world war 2, India does not have a level of infrastructure, industrial base, and foreign investment needed to thrive economically.

More negative effect of Imperialism in India Imperialistic power (the British) treated India just as a pawn of British mercantilist and then later, imperialistic goals. British set up a viceroy government in India… However, did not allow native Indians into important positions in politics. (did not give right to make political decision) Entrusted only lower administrative positions to aristocratic British-educated Indians Therefore, British used India as a puppet to achieve what they longed for.

Positive conclusion of imperialism in India… British built 40,000 mile railroad and 70,000 miles of paved roadway. Both of the aforementioned development was a key to industrialization Therefore, set India up for some development in industrialization and infrastructure.

More positive conclusion of imperialism in India British gave India a jump in agriculture through large scale irrigation system. (30million acre put into cultivation) Modern technology and education were also introduced. India was introduced to new means of communication and transport. Exposure to liberalist ideas initiated human rights, women’s rights and anti-caste discrimination movements.

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