The British in India Review of Major Ideas

Early Imperialism in India The Mughal dynasty controls European traders The Mughal Empire collapses and gives way to dozens of small states ruled by maharajahs The East India Company expands its control over India using private army assembled of British officers and sepoys or Indian soldiers

The “Jewel in the Crown” India was a major supplier of raw materials to Britain India’s population of 300 million offered a huge market potential British rule brings order and stability to the previously divided society New schools were to serve only the elite of India with 90% of people remaining illiterate

Cost of British Rule Trade restrictions on India prevented economic independence British and small numbers of Indians reaped financial benefits while millions were exposed to added hardships British goods destroy local industries such as the Indian textile industry Local tax collectors, zamindars, commissioned by the British became corrupt Farmers were encouraged to grow “cash crops” contributing to famines (300 million died)

Political Changes The sepoy mutiny (1857) results in more direct British control using larger British military Both sides commit atrocities but Indians massacre women and children at Kanpur British Parliament transfers control of India from EIC directly to British government (1876), Queen Victoria becomes Empress of India

Indian Nationalism Grows Indian nationalism began in the English- educated upper-class Prevalent in Bombay, Madras, Calcutta Indian nationalists pushed for reforms and a share in governing, but were largely divided (Hindus/Muslims) Gandhi begins non-violent resistance movement for independence