Impact Of British Imperialism On India
In 1757, after British East India Company defeated the Indian troops at the Battle of Plassey, it became the foremost power in India. Consequently, India became the “crown jewel of the British Empire.” marking the beginnings of imperialism (Bradley). India was gradually seen as profitable towards British interests, affecting India economically, socially, and culturally. British ruled India from 1858 to 1947. Initially, British traders came to India for the purpose of trading. Due to the increase demand for raw material, industrial revolution and the need for a market to sell their finished goods, British decided to enter India. Over time their administrative and economic policies also helped them to increase their control over almost every
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During their rule, the British brought ideas of freedom, equality, liberty, and human rights to India (Singh). These new ideas resulted in three specific changes towards the conditions of Indian women, education, and reform movements. After the introduction of British ideas, Indian women’s status began to improve; bans were put on sati, permitted widows to remarriage, and child marriages were prevented. Progress were also observed on education as some English schools and colleges were being opened. This helped in transforming India towards a more modern, liberal, and democratic country. Additionally, the promotion of education also led to the emergence of the middle class (Sen). Along with British ideas of freedom, equality, liberty, and human rights massive social-religious, reform movements were created, all of which had a great impact on the society. It brought a more scientific, rational and modern approach to life. During the imperial era, British missionaries had also hoped to spread Western Christianity. Many of the British officials working in India were racist, impacting the political climate. As a result, many Indians who worked with the British officials for administrative purposes were portrayed as disloyal or deceitful to their Indian brethren by the British (Bradley). Indians were noticeably more liberal in their thinking. Thus, under British rule, a spirit of unity and nationalism rooted from common hatred against them
During their rule, the British brought ideas of freedom, equality, liberty, and human rights to India (Singh). These new ideas resulted in three specific changes towards the conditions of Indian women, education, and reform movements. After the introduction of British ideas, Indian women’s status began to improve; bans were put on sati, permitted widows to remarriage, and child marriages were prevented. Progress were also observed on education as some English schools and colleges were being opened. This helped in transforming India towards a more modern, liberal, and democratic country. Additionally, the promotion of education also led to the emergence of the middle class (Sen). Along with British ideas of freedom, equality, liberty, and human rights massive social-religious, reform movements were created, all of which had a great impact on the society. It brought a more scientific, rational and modern approach to life. During the imperial era, British missionaries had also hoped to spread Western Christianity. Many of the British officials working in India were racist, impacting the political climate. As a result, many Indians who worked with the British officials for administrative purposes were portrayed as disloyal or deceitful to their Indian brethren by the British (Bradley). Indians were noticeably more liberal in their thinking. Thus, under British rule, a spirit of unity and nationalism rooted from common hatred against them