European Exploration and East India Company in Bengal

Zamindars prioritized immediate profit over land improvement, leading to crop failures and rural poverty.

The British assigned or sold land to Zamindars after 1793, focusing largely on tax collection.

Zamindars collected a fixed land tax from peasants, regardless of crop yields or economic conditions.

Mughal officials (Jaigirdars) held land temporarily, and taxes adjusted based on agricultural output in the Mughal system.

The British systematically depleted Bengal's wealth, turning it from a rich region to a poverty-stricken one.

British policies harmed Bengal's economy, causing widespread poverty, famine, and depletion of resources.

The inflexible tax system created a social-economic structure that prevented long-term growth and alienated landlords and peasants.

Factors like policies aimed at collecting revenue swiftly and constantly depleted resources in the Bengal region.

A series of famines in Bengal, India, during British rule, marked by severe food shortages, high death tolls, and exploitative economic policies.

A devastating famine in Bengal, India, in 1770 resulting in about 10 million deaths largely due to hoarding and forced cultivation of indigo.

A famine in Bengal, India, during World War II in 1943, leading to 2-3 million casualties, due to diversion of food supplies for war efforts.

A cultural and intellectual movement in Bengal, India, during the 18th and early 20th centuries, in reaction to traditional practices and beliefs.

A key figure in the Bengal Renaissance, advocating for modern education and social reform in Bengal.

A significant figure in the Bengal Renaissance, pushing for social reforms and modern education.

A major figure of the Bengal Renaissance, known for his contributions to literature, art, and social reforms.

The negative impacts of colonial policies (e.g., famines, excessive taxation, food exports) on Bengal's social and economic fabric, persisting into the 20th century and influencing health today.

Established in 1912, this university played a pivotal role in promoting education and intellectual growth in Bangladesh.

The British emphasized English language education, enabling Bengali intellectuals to access European science, philosophy, and political thought.

Opened in 1854, this railway line connected Kolkata with other parts of Bengal, boosting trade and movement of people.

The printing press, introduced by the British, led to a surge in publishing and literacy in Bengal.

This Bengali newspaper, launched in 1818, was pivotal in promoting literacy and public awareness.

British legal reforms introduced a modern judicial system and codified laws, like the Indian Penal Code.

The British established healthcare infrastructure in response to outbreaks, leading to the development of institutions like the Calcutta Medical College.

The British presence brought both positive and negative changes to Bengal, impacting education, infrastructure, media, and legal systems.

A nationalist movement in India (1905) advocating for self-reliance through local products and traditional industries, in response to perceived British strategies to divide.

Indian independence movement (1920-1922) led by Gandhi, involving a withdrawal from British institutions and a boycott of British goods.

Indian Muslim campaign (1919-1924) opposing efforts by European powers to dismantle the Ottoman Caliphate.

A violent incident in India in 1919 where British troops fired upon a large gathering of unarmed civilians, leading to many deaths.

Leader of numerous Indian independence movements, including the Noncooperation Movement, known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

The belief that India should be free from foreign rule. Promoted by numerous movements in the British period.

The ability to provide for one's needs and be independent, promoted within specific movements like the Swadeshi Movement.

A collective refusal to buy or use a certain product, service, or organization.

The British colonial period had a significant impact on Bengal, transforming it from a prosperous region to one facing economic challenges and social unrest.

While British rule primarily aimed to benefit colonial interests, it also led to advancements in education, infrastructure, legal systems, and healthcare in Bengal. These unexpected outcomes contributed to Bengal's modernization and development in the 20th century.

British policies, like the Permanent Settlement, led to the systematic depletion of Bengal's wealth, resulting in economic distress and social turmoil.

British policies often created divisions and tensions among different communities in Bengal, contributing to communal conflicts.

Despite facing challenges under British rule, Bengal experienced intellectual and cultural renewal through movements like the Bengal Renaissance, the Swadeshi Movement, and the Muslim Renaissance. These movements fostered a sense of nationalism and pride in Bengali identity.

The Lahore Proposal, passed by the Muslim League in 1940, was crucial in defining the political aspirations and future of Bengal. It ultimately contributed to the partition of India and Pakistan.

The Lahore Proposal, which aimed to establish a separate Muslim state, led to the partition of Bengal in 1947, splitting it into West Bengal in India and East Bengal (later Bangladesh) in Pakistan.

The experiences of British rule in Bengal illustrate the deep impacts of colonial exploitation, highlighting the strength of the region's cultural and political heritage, as well as its resilience in the face of adversity.

The right to collect revenue from Bengal, granted to the British East India Company in 1765. It essentially gave them control over the finances of Bengal.

Zamindars, the landowning class in Bengal, were the main beneficiaries. They gained control over large tracts of land and were legally entitled to collect taxes from peasants.

The British system of fixed land taxes and absentee landlordism primarily affected rural peasants. They had to pay a fixed tax, even during bad harvests, leading to poverty and indebtedness.

A devastating famine in Bengal that was exacerbated by British policies like forced indigo farming and hoarding, which led to food shortages.

British policies led to deindustrialization and unemployment in Bengal's textile industry. This was due to competition from imported British goods and the suppression of local weavers.

Raja Rammohan Roy played a key role in social reform during the Bengal Renaissance. He advocated for education, women's rights, and the abolition of Sati.