British Imperialism in India

British East India Company In the early 1700s, the Mughal Empire of India fell into decline. By the middle of the century, the British East India Company was becoming the most important power in India. Had been granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I in December 1600, to trade with India Shaped and applied Britain’s colonial and commercial policies Over time the British East India Company became an unofficial extension of the British government

Britain gained a source of raw materials as well as a market to sell manufactured goods in India. East India Company held huge amounts of land—almost the entire subcontinent. British law forced India to supply raw materials such as tea, indigo (a dye), coffee, and cotton. The British set up restrictions that prevented the Indian economy from operating on its own. The law also forced Indian manufacturing out of business.

It was important for the British to have a strong network of transportation and communication in India. The East India Company built rail lines that linked growing regions in the interior with ports on the coast. Its rail system was the third largest in the world and helped make the economy more modern. The British made other improvements, too. They built telephone and telegraph lines, dams, bridges, and canals. They also improved sanitation and public health and built schools. They also established a postal system and a national bank.

Disadvantages of Colonial Rule British rule caused problems as well. Many economic benefits flowed out of India to Britain. Indian industry died out because of British trade laws. Many farmers and villages lost their ability to feed themselves because they were made to grow cash crops. Many peoples died when famines struck. Indians did not have access to the hospitals and schools the British established in India. They were for the British who relocated to India.

British Religious Policy The British officially adopted a hands-off policy regarding religion and social customs. However, the presence of missionaries and the unspoken racist attitude of most of the British officials threatened Indian traditional life. By 1850, the British controlled most of the Indian subcontinent. Many Indians believed that in addition to controlling their land, the British were trying the convert them to Christianity. By the mid-1800s, many Indians felt growing resentment.

The Sepoy Rebellion The sepoys were Indian soldiers that worked for the East India Company. In 1857, rumors began to circulate that the cartridges of the new British riffles the sepoys were issued were sealed with beef and pork fat. Because Hindus did not eat beef and Muslims did not eat pork, they refused to accept the cartridges. The Commander of the garrison began to imprison all soldiers who refused to take the cartridges. The East India Company needed a year- and British troops-to put it down.

After the sepoys were jailed, the sepoys rebelled After the sepoys were jailed, the sepoys rebelled. This rebellion spread throughout India. The sepoys captured the city of Delhi. The British and sepoy armies slaughtered each other. It took more than a year for the East India Company to regain control of the country.

The British company sent troops to help the East India company put down the rebellion.