Imperialism Regarding India

Shanali Weerasinghe

TermsSepoy: A solider in South Asia, especially in the

service of the British.

“Jewel in the crown”: The British colony of India – so called because of its importance in the British Empire, both as a supplier of raw materials and as a market for British trade goods.

Sepoy Mutiny: An 1857 rebellion of Hindu and Muslim soldiers against the British in India and against certain practices that violated religious customs. Also known as the “Sepoy Rebellion”.

Raj: The British-controlled portions of India in the years 1757-1947.

Background KnowledgeThe British established the East India Company in

the 1600s and rivaled the Dutch and French. The British took over the colonies and trade of the Dutch which led to the ending of the Dutch East India Company in 1795. The British held off the French by 1763. The Mughal emperor lost his throne in 1858 so the British has the large subcontinent. The British appointed British Raj, trained Sepoys, financed public works, and improved trade and agriculture. There were still rebellion and influential leaders for Westernization and against Westernization.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Imperialism for India

• British Raj created new jobs

• Agricultural products were expanded

• Public works: harbors, cities, irrigation canals, railroads

• Indian trade expanded

• British reforms oppressed women of all status

• Industrial mills drove Indians out of handicraft textile industry

• Felled forests to make room for tea plantations

• Reduced cholera deaths

Effects of Imperialism Historically

The British helped improve public works and agriculture. This reduced famine in parts of India. They also installed railroads which many rode on business, pilgrimage, and search for work, but some opposed because it mixed people of different castes, faiths, and sexes. This also spread cholera when there was a flood of poor coming to cities. This made the British install a sewage system which reduced cholera dramatically. Westernization reformed the public education. The first secular school for Indian women was established after the Hindu College was found.

What happened since independence socially, politically, and

economicallyIndia is the second-most-populous country in the

world and has the largest democracy. They are seeking permanenet seating on the U.N. Security Council. High-tech industries have been established, but there is still poverty and food shortages. The struggle between Hindus and Muslims still exist as well. On February 28, 2002, a Muslim mob attacked Hindus in Godhra when they were returning from the holy city of Ayodhya. But, despite this struggle, India is prospering somewhat because of all the jobs being sent overseas.

What western power colonized the region or country?Britain.

Which motivations for imperialism made the country or region attractive for colonization?The natural resources that were exported such as cotton fiber, opium, tea, silk, and sugar

Did the colonists use direct of indirect rule as a method to govern the country?The princes got to keep control of their territories so long as they were loyal to the Queen and the British.

What were the responses to imperialism within the region or country?There were many rebellions and opossition to reformation, but most eventually welcomed Westernization such as Rammohun Roy

Who were the individuals or groups that aided resistance within your country or region?Gandhi, Sepoys, Mughal Emperor, Nana Sahib, and Brahmo Samaj, Indian National Congress.

When and how did your country or region gain independence?August 15, 1947.

India is surrounded by water so the British navy came by sea. There were ports on the coast. There were also railroads that went across India. The swords represent where major battles were.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFaFXgnmF9c

This clip shows India’s struggle to gain independence from Britain. It includes information about Gandhi, Tipu Sultan, Mangal Pandey, the Sepoy Mutiny, and more. The marches and revolts against the British are also shown in this clip.

This picture shows how the British were not only taking over India but other places. The colonists had to do all the work. They received nothing while the British lived in luxury.

Websites Used

http://www.indiavideo.org/text/indian-independence-day-338.php

http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2002041900&type=hitlist&num=0