IMPERIALISM IN INDIA

The decline of the Mughal Empire in India gave the British and other foreigners who had come to trade, the opportunity to conquer India. The British and French fought among each other for supremacy. The British (English East India Company) were victorious. Almost the entire country came under their control.

After the Revolt of 1857, the British government took over direct control of India. The Princes had titles but the real power rested in the hands of the British. All the resources were under her control.

Also now the British did not need to buy goods from India with British currency. Indian goods were purchased with Indian money and sold in British markets at profits.

With the coming of industrial revolution, British machine-made goods filled Indian markets. This ruined the Indian handicraft industries. Indian resources were sent in the form of raw materials to Britain to encourage large scale production. This increased British profits. Millions of pounds were drained to England. India was known as the brightest jewel in the British crown.

Construction of railways in India benefitted the British mainly in transporting raw materials and finished goods from one place to another. Moreover, if there was any rebellion anywhere, British troops would immediately come and solve problems due to quick means of transport. Therefore, the railways proved to be a boon to the British and not to the Indians.

Plantations of indigo, tea, coffee, were encouraged which brought profits only to British. The duties and taxes imposed were favorable only to the British. Indian resources, both human and material, were used to further promote imperialism in Asia and Africa, for e.g. Opium Trade etc.

To prevent opposition from Indians, oppressive laws and restrictions were placed on freedom of speech, expression, etc. Indians were not given any important posts in government, etc. Thus, Indian opinion was not taken. Indian interests were subordinated. British interests were of importance.