British Raj

It is noted that the British did value and respect India's practices and culture to an extent as they realized this is how they'd make a profit. This was an example of spritual and cultural resistance, as they continue to support their values and morals.

(Imperialism In India)

The British Raj, also known as "British India" or "The British Indian Empire" was a period of time where the British ruled over the Indian subcontinent between 1858-1947. Pre-imperialism, India was a very wealthy area, initially attracting Great Britain, their imperializers hoping to gain wealth. In fact, India was known as the "jewel of the crown" of the British Empire, due to its wealth.

Prior to 1958, the British incentive to rule India was due to the British East India Company, operating as an agent for the Mughal Empire. After the first war of Indian Independence in 1857, the British were given direct responsibility of Indian territories.

Princely Indian states that entered treaties with Britain received to a degree of local independence and authority, if the British were allowed to give them protection and have control over foreign affairs. India had collaborated with Great Britain as a form of resistance to imperialization.

(New World Encyclopedia)

The effects of British Imperialization

Improvements to Social Mobility

While being under Britain's control, they gained many new advancements, such as railways, transportation, and communication systems, helping each individual region build into one. These advancements are still sustained and used today in modern India.

(New World Encyclopedia)

Economy

British rule impacted India's economy in many different ways. Investors had set up more machinery, such as jute mills around cities, increasing productivity. However, the British being present in India had mostly a negative impact on the economy. Before arrival, India had accounted for over 17% of the worlds GDP, but after gaining independence, they had less than 1%.

(It's also important to note that India was also struck with famine due to calamity, causing restrictions of national trade as well as inflationary prices. It is debatable that this is caused by the British or by ecological factors)

(New World Encyclopedia)

Education

Britain had brought over the idea of learning the English language and getting greater education in order to improve their trade and commerce. This would improve production of British India, resulting in benefits for Great Britain themself.

(New World Encyclopedia)

End of British Raj

Ultimately, as the people of India realized Britain was denying the values of democracy and their sovereignty, as well as manipulating their economy, committees and groups were made in order to protest for independence. The National Congress was formed in 1855, advocating for independence from Britain. Movements were made, and in 1942, the National Congress demanded full independence from Britain.

The Quit India movement was thus launched. Historians believed that the Indian National Army, as well as the British Indian Armed Forces being weakened and failing lead to India's independence. The decision to ending the Raj was mainly because of the weak British Indian Army post- world war. On August 15, 1947, the transition of power was held, where India was granted full independence from British rule.

(New World Encyclopedia)

After Imperialization

To this day, many of the advancements due to the British Rule are used today. Legal systems and railways are continuously sustained today. The education system has continued to grow, and the education of english language has attracted tourism and advancements for computer software, ultimately helping to restore and grow the economy to where it is today.

(New World Encyclopedia)

Analysis: The British Raj was an extended period of time in which the British ruled over India. The British were able to advance infrastructure, as well as influence a better education system, ultimately leading to success of the country in the long run, as it is still sustained today. However, it has been a battle to overcome the economic downfall of India as the British installed excessively high prices as well as causing the economy's GDP to fall drastically. Today, however, productivity is increased due to new infrastructure, leading to the continuation of wealth of the country.

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