South Asia In Transition

India Under British Rule Mughal Empire ruled India The Portuguese built a trading empire in Asia until the 1600s when the Dutch, English, and French broke into the Portuguese monopoly. (Monopoly – Complete control over a market or a product) The British set up the East India Company, which won rights to build trading posts at Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta. Very similar to their moves in China Traded gold and silver for cotton, textiles, silk, and tea. By the 1700’s-1760’s, Mughal Empire declines, British and French competing for political and economic power Britain wins.

East India Company Rule East India Company, led British forces against the French and won control of state of the wealthy Bengal. Appointed local rulers who favored the company’s interests. British encouraged the rivalries of the Indian rulers which kept them from uniting. Forced rulers to sign treaties granting power to the company. Had the right to collect taxes, set up a law code and court system, took over land, and in some areas ruled directly.

British Rule To check the power of the East India Company, Parliament passed laws regulating it. 1850s – Indians were upset over ritual suicides being outlawed, high taxes, and missionaries trying to convert them. Sepoys – Indian troops who served in the British army. Sepoy Rebellion – Rebellion broke out in Delhi and spread across India. Upset over rumors that rifles were greased with beef fat, and a new law that required them to fight for Britain in foreign lands. Eventually the British put down uprising.

Those Brits still won’t leave... By 1858, India becomes a colony Exiled emperor. Ruled directly through appointed officials who reformed the law codes and controlled courts. 1/3 was ruled by local rulers, they had to sign treaties giving control of foreign and military affairs to the British. Britain set up own civil service to rule country and created new class of British-educated Indians. Still resentment and distrust between British and Indians.

Effects of British Rule Improved roads, modernized ports, built railroads and telegraphs; all helped Britain control their colony. New economic pattern, Britain discouraged Indian industries so that they could sell expensive manufactured goods (sound familiar?) To pay for imports, Indians had to raise cash crops like tea, pepper, coffee, and cotton. Less food grown = famine Improved health care and sanitary conditions led to population growth. British educated Indian middle class emerged Learned about liberty, freedom, government, and their own cultural traditions.

We India Nationalism is strongest among British educated elite, from upper and middle classes. Some wanted to adopt western ways Others to modernize India and reform British system Still others favored return to Hindu traditions. Indian National Congress (INC) set up in 1885, called for gradual change and urged British to open more jobs to Indians in government. Mohandas Gandhi takes over group in 1920s.

Freedom and Partition Growing unrest during WW I led British to impose harsh laws limiting freedom of the press and other rights in Amritsar Massacre - April 13, ,000 Indians gathered to protest British troops opened fire. 379 Indians were dead when the shooting stopped, with 1,100 wounded. Turning point! Deepened distrust of British and Indians called for complete separation from Britain.

Independence! WWII - India had no desire to fight in Britain's struggle. Gandhi & Congress members organized a non- cooperation movement with the British. By end of war, Britain realized they could no longer keep India India Independence Act Ended British rule, divided India into two independent nations. Hindu dominated India Muslim dominated Pakistan. Partition led to violence between Muslims and Hindus Muslims fled India for Pakistan, and Hindus left for India; estimated 15 million people migrated.

Economic Development Economy poor and undeveloped. Set up a mixed economy, government controlled some businesses. Farming the heart of the economy Although poor soil and inefficient farming methods kept production low Set up new irrigation systems, instituted land reforms, developed new seeds resulting in large harvests.

Village Life Changed little, traditional clothing, farming and handmade goods main jobs. Life rapidly changing with advancements in technology, transportation, and health care. Decline in infant mortality Caste System Officially outlawed, however still does exist in places. Urbanization weakens caste distinctions, people freer to move up in society.

Education Schooling is free and required for children up to 14 More boys attend school than girls. Poor families need their children in the fields. Family Life Marriages still arranged, but people marry at a later age Families becoming more nuclear. Women can vote, own property, widows can remarry, and some have achieved high positions in government.

Pakistan Initially divided into East and West Pakistan, divided by 1000 miles. West Pakistan Bordered Middle East & dominated government. East Pakistan Bordered Southeast Asia & flooded A LOT 1971 Civil War broke out, with East Pakistan winning Became Bangladesh. Pakistan developed agriculture and reduced dependence on foreign aid. However population growing, poverty high, long periods of military rule, affected by Islamic fundamentalists.

Bangladesh 120 million people, densely populated. Fertile land and abundant water, but natural disasters and huge population limited progress. Population growing faster than food supply Little money for development Few roads/bridges, trouble diversifying economy

Sri Lanka Ceylon changed to Sri Lanka 1972 Exports tea, rubber, and coconuts. Ethnic tensions led to civil war, majority Sinhalese Buddhists against minority Tamil Hindus. Tamils claimed discrimination and inequality Launched guerilla war lasting from 1983 to Long period of war and destruction, just beginning to rebuild.