British Imperialism in India

India matters India was the most important part of the British Empire. British rule in India called “The Raj.” From 1610-1857 India was ruled for Britain by the British East India Company.

British East India Company (BEIC) A state issued monopoly. NOT funded by the British government. NOT the British government. Rights to EVERYTHING east of the Cape of Good Hope.

British—Indian history First contact in 1608. Mughal Empire (Muslim) in power in India. British leased coastal land to hold goods to ship back to Britain. British promised not to bring missionaries.

British—India history cont. City of Calcutta established as trading port in 1690. British start fortifying Calcutta in 1756 against other European powers. Fortification was not a part of the agreement between the BEIC and India.

British—Indian history cont. Indians attack the British fortifications Hold prisoners in “Black Hole of Calcutta.” 25-40 dead BEIC respond at the Battle of Plassey. BEIC gets right to collect and KEEP taxes of Indians in 1765.

Mostly economic British didn’t want to change anything culturally or religiously except the “outrageous” Sati—the sacrifice of the 1st bride at a husband’s funeral Thugee—massacre of travelers to please a god.

Things changing By the early 1800s Britain (not just the BEIC) trying to take India under its control. Major economic changes: because of the industrial revolution hand woven fabrics are no longer needed. Lots of jobs lost.

Lord Dalhousie Governor-General of India from 1848-1856. Annexed the Punjab area in N.W. India into the British Empire. The Doctrine of lapse. If a Prince of an independent area did not have an heir when he died the British government would receive the land. 1850—Christian influence.

Sepoys Sepoys—Indians hired by the Raj to be soldiers. All officers were European. British respected the caste system. Most sepoys were from high caste and were Hindu.

The Sepoy Rebellion—1857

The Sepoy Rebellion cont. A mutiny. Had happened before on a smaller level. Started to disrespect the caste system. Bengalese soldiers required to serve overseas. Law in 1856 allowed Hindu women to re-marry Reaction to “sati.” Indians worried women would re-marry Christian men and convert.

Sepoy Rebellion cont. 1857 sepoys were issued new rifle and cartridges that used animal fats—beef and pork fat. Against religious beliefs in India Brits try to fix by using vegetable oils. Damage had already been done.

Sepoy Rebellion cont. 1857—a group of sepoys refuse to touch cartridges. Did not believe cartridges were changed. British officers execute disobeying orders. Mutiny next day.

Sepoy Rebellion cont. British put down mutiny in one year. Takes a lot of men and money. British used Sikhs and Gurkhas to stop rebellion.

Outcomes/Consequences Brits start recruiting Indians from low castes. India made part of British Empire. Government takes over—not BEIC Ended doctrine of lapse. Indians do not convert to Christianity. Some Indians were allowed to seek civil service if they served in London.