What are yall's opinions on this issue?
Saturday, April 2, 2011
British Colonization of India
Many historians have debated between whether British's Colonization of India was detrimental or beneficial to the Indian society. Some have argued that the colonization of India was positive in the long run because it united the many territories of India that may have never joined on their own. Others suggest that the Britain's push for Indian's independence caused serious conflicts between India and Pakistan (The Indo-Pakistani War among many others). Also, many historians believe that Britain positively enlightened India in many literary and technological aspects and broadened their economy. However, others argued that these same technological advancements allowed India to create destructive weapons that destroyed their nation and others.
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5 comments:
I think that, excluding some minor differences, India could still have come to exist in the form that it does today had Britain not turned it into an imperial colony. Before the East India Company's takeover of princely states in southern India, Western knowledge and technology was funnelling into the region. In fact, the industries that Britain introduced to its colonies in India may very well have developed on their own in isolation given a few decades.
Though Britain often takes credit for the concept of a unified India, I believe that unification may also have happened without England's intervention. Given the diminishing power of the Moghul Empire in northern India, the resulting power vacuum might have resulted in a struggle for power amongst the independent Indian princes. Over time, trade with the West (which newly developed industries would enable) would favor some states more than others, helping to create large, powerful countries. Under such conditions, an India comprable to the modern version we see today may very well have taken shape... and perhaps without religious divisions!
I view this issue as bitter-sweet. While the British treated the Indian people poorly and took advantage of the fruitful resources their country had, they brought them together. As the movie stated, when fighting for independence, the Indian people put their religious differences aside. They weren't Muslims and Hindus; they were one unit, fighting as Indians for a common goal. Although it is possible that the population could have come to a mutual agreement with out Britain's influence, I feel it allowed for this to happen much sooner, which allowed them to become one of the fastest growing democratic nations in the world.
On page 105, Mr. Methold states, "You'll admit we weren't all bad: built your roads. Schools, railway trains, parliamentary system, all worthwhile things. Taj Mahal was falling down until an Englishmen bothered to see to it. And now, suddenly, independence." I think this quote illustrates the European arrogance in regards to India. Mr. Methold makes it seem as if Indian culture was somehow inadequate before the British came in, but, in reality, the traditional Indian concept of success and progress is quite different. I think some European fell into this kind of a mindset and believed they were undertaking the "White Man's Burden" in India. However, other Europeans truly did admire Indian culture and helped preserve it, such as Charles Stuart. Charles Stuart's nickname became Hindoo Stuart due to his ardent defense and appreciation of the religion.
Like Chrissy said, I think the British colonization of India was bitter-sweet.
I agree with you Collin. I've thought about this a while and I also believe that India would have eventually transformed into am independent nation. However, I do find it kind of hard to believe it would exist in the exact form it does today. Also, I feel that the process involved for India to gain it's independence would have taken much more time than without Britain's colonization.
I agree with you Collin. I've thought about this a while and I also believe that India would have eventually transformed into am independent nation. However, I do find it kind of hard to believe it would exist in the exact form it does today. Also, I feel that the process involved for India to gain it's independence would have taken much more time than without Britain's colonization.
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