1. Imperialism in South Asia
OUTLINE:
Pre-Imperialism (The Mughal Empire)
Beginning of British Rule
(BEI Co.)
III. Sepoy Mutiny
IV. British Style of Rule
The ‘Princely States’ in British India
Major Ideas:
India had a thriving cultural heritage before GB colonization
GB called India “Jewel in the Crown” because of the immense resources there—worked hard to repress Indian people
Indians became very dissatisfied with GB rule & rebelled in 19th c.

2. Muslim rulers over most of India & Pakistan 16th--17th c.
Brought Islam to South Asia
The Mughal Empire
Muslim Changes to India:
Converted many to Islam—especially the lower castes of Hindu society because Islam brought them equality
Consolidated small kingdoms—
led by maharajas (rulers) under one empire (Muslim & Hindu)
Practiced religious tolerance
of Hindu, Sikhs & others
(mostly)

4. Hinduism under Muslim Rule
Hindu were the majority religion
in region, had been in practice for 1000s of yrs
Mughals were tolerant of Hindus but differences between Hindus & Muslims led to tension (because of different ideas, customs, culture, beliefs)
Many upper caste Hindus looked down on former lower castes who became Muslim

5. The British in India
British East India Co. came to trade in 17th c. (spices, tea, cloth, silk etc.)
BEI paid Mughal rulers to have control of land & people & allowed many maharajas (rulers) to stay in power Mughal Empire was growing weak because of internal fighting
BEI Co. was VERY important to GB economy so GB
protected interests of BEI—almost like part of GB gov’t

6. BEI was so powerful it had a paid army of Indians (called Sepoys) — British officers were in charge of sepoys whose job it was to protect the BEI land
Brits made some improvements in India (railroad, tech.)…but mistreated people in general, based on attitudes of time period
(Social Darwinism)

7. Sepoy Mutiny (May—Sept. 1857)
Sepoys revolted (1st Indian Revolution) began because BEI Co. did not respect Indian beliefs (Muslim or Hindu)
Hindu & Muslims were not united = could not beat GB
GB gov’t took all control of India—period known as The Raj (the rule) 1857—1947

8. British Style of Rule in India
Vastly outnumbered (400 million Indians at beginning of 20th c.) had to keep Indians subjugated to hold onto control —2nd class citizens (at best)
Brits were isolated from Indian masses—very little concern or regard for poverty (Ex: several major famines killed millions of Indians while huge amounts of land were allocated for tea or cotton exports)

9. Many Brits were drawn to India because it was exotic & had privileged” lifestyle (Indian servants etc)
Typical 19th c. GB gov’t officials worked to keep “natives” under control & ensure dominance. Ex:
Lord Macaulay (1800—1859)—British MP who traveled to India to examine the “condition of the colony” (resources, how the “natives” behaved etc.)
Admired the Indian culture & history, but believed GB rule was best for them …as most Brits did because of their superiority complex

10. Status of the “Princely States”
Brits allowed maharajas to keep their power & territory if they agreed to British demands (allow trains through, stay out of foreign affairs)
Brits were able to further “divide & conquer” Indians
465 maharajas were indulged by Brits & kept happy & loyal (unimaginable opulence and indulgence—but some were fair rulers)