British Imperialism in India “The sun never sets on the British Empire”

John Bull as Octopus of Imperialism (1888)

India: 18c-early 19c

Sir Raghubir Singh, Maharao of Bundi

Mughal Empire was collapsing… Who led the British East India Co. in a victory to become the leading power in India? 1757 – Robert Clive led troops in a victory at the Battle of Plassey

The British Come to India How did the East India Co. rule India?How did the East India Co. rule India? Little interference from British gov’t – had own army British people came to India for excitement, money, and to improve their statusBritish people came to India for excitement, money, and to improve their status Ran businesses, became officials, served as missionaries, etc.Ran businesses, became officials, served as missionaries, etc.

“It was exciting going to India, a new life. There wasn't much doing in England then. We were going from a rather dull career in England to something exciting in India.” ~ Colonel C.A.K. Innes-Wilson, Royal Engineers officer who joined the Survey of India (which mapped the subcontinent); later first Surveyor General of Pakistan

Postcards from India

A Life of Leisure!

Coffee House in mid-19c British India

Lady Curzon, 1904 Br. Viceroy’s Daughter: Simla, 1863

Living Like a Maharajah

Imperial Distractions: Clubs

Indians as Servants

2) Who were sepoys? Indian soldiers in the army of the East India Co. Led by British army officers The sepoy army was “ a delicate and dangerous machine, which a little mismanagement may easily turn against us” ~governor of Bombay

British Soldiers in India, 1830s

Governing India Indian Civil Service (ICS) provided men to govern IndiaIndian Civil Service (ICS) provided men to govern India –Graduates of British universities who passed exams & interviews worked as district officers Forest Service, Education Service, Survey of India, Political ServiceForest Service, Education Service, Survey of India, Political Service

“The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire”

Why was India the “jewel in the crown”? Supplied raw materials Large potential market for goods

How did the British prevent the Indian economy from operating on its own? Had to produce materials for Britain & buy British goods Prohibited Indian competition w/British goods

What types of goods, crops, and materials came from India? Tea, indigo, coffee, cotton, jute, opium Railroads were essential Trade of Indian goods related to international events

British Opium Warehouse in Patna, India Selling Patna Opium in China

What were the negatives of British colonialism for India? Restrictions on Indian-owned industries Reduced food production due to cash- crop plantations Missionaries & British officials threatened Indian traditions and culture

What were the positives of British colonialism for India? World’s 3 rd largest railroad network – enabled modern economy & unity Modernized India Sanitation & public health improved Schools founded, literacy increased Put end to local warfare

Bengal Medical Service, 1860

Darjeeling Railroad, 1880s

What caused the Sepoy Mutiny? Rifle cartridges greased w/beef & pork – against Hindu & Muslim religious beliefs Sepoys who refused to accept cartridges were jailed Sepoys rebelled by marching to Delhi & capturing the city Rebellion spread

Areas of the Sepoy Mutiny, 1857

Why were the Indians not able to defeat the British? Weak leadership Splits between Hindus & Muslims Sikhs still loyal to British

What happened as a result of the mutiny? Turning point – Britain took direct command of India – known as the Raj ( ) Fueled racist attitudes of British Execution of Sepoys: “The Devil’s Wind”

1877: Queen Victoria Becomes “Empress of India”

Sikhs – Bengal Cavalry of the British Army

15 th Ludhiana Sikhs, 1889

How did Ram Mohun Roy, the “Father of Modern India”, want to modernize India? Move away from traditional ideas & practices Wanted to end rigid caste system & arranged marriages Adopt Western ways Why did nationalist feelings start to surface in India? Indians hated being 2 nd class citizens in own country!

What two nationalist groups emerged in India? Indian National Congress (1885) Muslim League (1906) What were their main ideas and concerns? Called for self- government swaraj = “independence”

Mahatma Gandhi

Why did the British divide or partition Bengal? Province was too large to manage Divided into Hindu section & Muslim section Terrorism broke out – had to “re- partition” India

Pre-Partition

Last Viceroy of India Lord Louis & Lady Edwina Montbatten

Partition!