Ch. 8 Heritage of South Asia and Ch. 9 South Asia

in TransitionIndia under British Rule

And

South Asia in Transition

East India Company

• It gained control of wealthy Indian state of Bengal. It appointed local rulers who favored the company. It set up a law code and court system. It took over land, and ruled some places through local princes.

Sepoy Rebellion

• Were Indian troops serving in the British army. They had a rebellion when they found out the Brits used beef or pork fat to grease their rifles.

In 1858, the British took over India as a colony. In 1876, Queen Victoria became the Empress of India. The Brits ruled through

appointed officials.

The British discouraged local Indian industries and limited British imports from India. Local industries were driven out of business and Indians became

more dependent on British goods.

The Indian National Congress (1885)

Some wanted to return to Hindi rule and culture, others wanted a blend of the best. When they won support of the lower classes, the rejected foreign

rule and demanded independence.

Mohandas Gandhi

• Came back from S. Africa in 1914 and united groups within the nationalist movement. He inspired the common people.

Gandhi’s Principles

Satyagraha (truth force)-nonviolent resistance to end injustice. He got nonviolence from Hindu

tradition and respected the teaching of love for one’s enemies found in Christianity.

Campaign of Civil Disobedience- Gandhi traveled around India supporting non-violent strikes and protests. He called for a boycott

of British goods.

In 1947, the Brits freed India, and provided for a division into two separate nations. Hindu-

dominated India (led by Jawaharlal Nehru). and Muslim majority Pakistan (led by Jinnah)

Muslims and Hindus fought and more than 500K died in the fighting. 15 million people took part in mass migration (Hindus to India and Muslims to

Pakistan).