British Raj: East India Company & 1857 Revolt

• The East India Company's formation in 1600 marked the beginning of trade with the Indian subcontinent.
• The Company expanded its control in India through wars and alliances.
• The Doctrine of Lapse led to resentment among Indian rulers as it allowed the British to annex states without a male heir.
• The Company's administrative practices and economic policies significantly impacted India's traditional economic structures.

Indian Rebellion of 1857

• Economic exploitation, cultural insensitivity, and military grievances among Indian soldiers were key causes.
• The greased cartridge controversy, involving rumored cow and pig fat, sparked outrage among soldiers.
• Key figures such as Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah II led the rebellion.
• The East India Company was dissolved, and direct Crown rule was established over India as a result.

Administrative Structure of the British Raj

• The Viceroy acted as the Crown's representative, overseeing administration with the Executive Council.
• British India was divided into provinces, managed by a Governor or Lieutenant Governor.
• Legislative councils were established at central and provincial levels to assist in governance.

Princely States

• Princely states were ruled by local monarchs under British suzerainty with varying autonomy.
• The British Crown managed relationships with princely rulers through subsidiary alliances and treaties.
• Princely states, while retaining internal autonomy, were integrated into British India's administrative framework.

Economic Impact

• The British promoted cash crops like cotton and indigo, affecting traditional agriculture.
• Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems were implemented to streamline tax collection.
• Colonial policies exacerbated famines, including the Bengal Famine of 1943, due to resource extraction.
• Traditional Indian crafts and industries declined due to favoring imports and destruction of local markets, known as deindustrialization.
• Railways, telegraphs, and ports were developed to facilitate resource extraction and trade.
• Trade policies benefited British industries at the expense of India's economy.

Social and Cultural Changes

• Western education systems were introduced, promoting English as the medium of instruction.
• Universities and colleges were founded to educate the Indian elite.
• The new education system led to the rise of an educated class that played a pivotal role in social reforms and nationalist movements.
• The colonial administration enacted laws against practices like Sati and child marriage.
• Christian missionaries were active in social work and education, leading to cultural exchanges and conversions.
• Indian leaders, such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda, initiated movements to reform societal practices and challenge colonial rule.
• India was portrayed as an "ignorant backwater," and suppressed indigenous knowledge.

Political Movements and Path to Independence

• The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 as a platform for Indians to voice political aspirations and seek self-governance.
• Initial efforts focused on constitutional reforms and increased representation in governance.
• The Partition of Bengal in 1905 and the Swadeshi Movement prompted widespread protests and boycott of British goods.
• World War I and the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms led to limited self-governing institutions.
• Mass movements led by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi aimed at achieving full independence (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements).
• The war strained British resources and intensified Indian demands for independence.
• Discussions between British authorities and Indian leaders were marred by Hindu-Muslim tensions, leading to calls for separate nations.
• India gained independence in 1947, leading to the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan.

Legacy of the British Raj

• Democratic institutions were introduced, but with deep-seated communal divisions.
• The post-independence economy struggled due to exploitative colonial policies.
• The English language and Western-style education had lasting effects on Indian society.
• Debates continue about the British Raj’s role in shaping modern India.