This article is a roadmap to the upcoming series of articles on how the British were a boon for India and why many Indians still don’t support this point of view. Let’s first understand the contributions of the British government for which they are praised.
Basics
Before we begin, let’s clear up some misconceptions that are deeply rooted in our minds. Indians are aware that the British ruled India for around 200 years. But let me tell you that it is not true. Independence was given to us in the year 1947, and Robert Clive had won the battle of Plassey in 1757. But Robert Clive only won over Bengal and not the entire Indian subcontinent. It is better to conclude that the British took nearly 100 years to conquer India. They ruled India for just 100 years.
The character of British rule was different from that of the invaders, like the Mughals. The Mughals came from outside, invaded India, and then settled in India. The British colonized India and ruled under the British crown.
Another misconception among some people is that the British liberated India from the Mughals. The fact is that credit for defeating the Mughals goes to the great Maratha empire.
Most Indians claim that the British were less brutal than any ruler who ruled before them. India was divided into various kingdoms. The British united the territorial boundary of India. They even abolished malpractices like sati and dowry and contributed to the socio-economic development of India. Being a British colony saved us from being a direct rival of other big powers at that time. If we were a free and strong empire, then we would have to keep ourselves engaged in facing our rivals. Our leaders would try to annex others to expand our territory, thus causing unnecessary warfare. The English language, which we learnt from them, proved to be a blessing in disguise. It is the global language and helps connect us to the world.
Here I present a bird’s eye view of the upcoming series: British - a boon for India. So, I would request everyone to fasten their seatbelts. Please click on the headings below to dive deep into and analyze every point in detail…
Table of Contents
- English language
- Infrastructure development
- Socio-economic backwardness
- Maritime commerce
- Literacy
- Promotion of art
• English language.
The English language is a blessing in disguise for the world. English is used in the United States because America was once a British colony. As a result, the British are credited with inventing the language of English. India was also a British colony, hence English spread to India.
It is considered the global language of technology and culture. It is believed that we could only tell the world about our culture because of English; otherwise, our culture would not have existed in this modern era. Thus, it removes the language barrier between Indians and the rest of the world.
The technological advancements happening in the world would not have come to India if Indians had not communicated in English. India would still be a backward country.
• Infrastructure development
Everyone talks about how backward we were before the British blessed us and included us in their colony. How the basic infrastructure was almost absent in India. We didn’t have any amenities. We were dependent on bullock carts and dirt roads (unmetalled roads). The fastest one could travel was by using horses. Forget about innovations. Indians couldn’t even think that something like railways and ports was possible.
The justice prevailing in India before the British seemed to be a joke. The king or the head of the local court was the supreme authority. They solely decided who was the culprit and gave punishment on the spot. Thus, the judicial infrastructure was a complete mess. The British blessed us with a robust judicial system that ensured justice and parity. They contributed in developing military Infrastructure. Indian army, was formed in the British Raj.
• Socio-economic backwardness
Most Indians claim that the British were superior people who helped backward Indians to develop both socially and economically as a nation. They helped abolish malpractices like Sati, child marriage, untouchability and Dowry, stood up against the divisive caste system of India and brought about reforms all over our motherland. The British also started a census in India in 1871. They set up the department of the Geographical Survey of India, in 1851. It is widely known that cinema was introduced in India by the British.
Indians did not know how to trade, and the per capita income of Indians was very low before we came under the shade of the British government. Moreover, the medical facilities were improved. They passed Compulsory Vaccination Act in 1892 to prevent smallpox in India.
• Maritime commerce
The British Empire was the largest empire of all time. Naturally, they used maritime transport to connect with the colonies. India’s trade relations with the rest of the world have improved to a great extent. They built ports so that they could have ships come and dock over here.
• Literacy
The English-speaking people are still (at least subconsciously) considered more literate than the Indians. They helped change the education system in India, developed many universities and schools, and encouraged everyone to become literate. They even simplified our history books so that our people could read them.
• Promotion of art
People claim that the British reformed the culture of India for the greater good. The superior western culture replaced the backward culture of India to some extent. The British even promoted the art and sculptures of the Indians by introducing them to the rest of the world. The British art administrators were promoting and supporting the Bengal school of art.
Please do click on the titles above, if not already, to know if this is the only viewpoint we should consider or if there’s something more to discover… THE REALITY
