The British in IndiaReview 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