The Origins of Western Imperialism: British India (1700-1850)

Context and Background

• Previous Videos: Covered Western Europe's rapid industrialization and its impact on other global empires (Russia, China, Ottomans).
• Topic Focus: India's encounter with British economic pressure leading to the colonization of the Indian subcontinent.

The Mughal Empire

• Governance by: Muslim Mughal Empire.
• Peak Power: 16th and 17th centuries under Emperor Akbar.
• Policies: Religious toleration and multiculturalism towards Hindu subjects.
• 18th Century Decline: Abandonment of tolerant policies leading to the empire's disintegration.

British Involvement in India

• Early Engagement: British East India Company (EIC) began trade in ~1600.
• Trading Post: Established on the east coast, permitted by Akbar's successor.
• Expansion: EIC expanded as Mughal authority waned. Created private armies (Sepoys) to protect interests.
• Control: By 1757, EIC had political and economic control over Bengal.

Corruption and Regulation

• Corruption: EIC’s success led to massive corruption, illegal wealth among employees.
• Bankruptcy Crisis: EIC claimed bankruptcy in 1772, sought loans from British Parliament.
• Regulating Act of 1773: Parliament established regulations and oversight.
  • Officially recognized parts of India as British colonies.
  • EIC continued governance under British Crown oversight.

British Government and EIC’s Role

• Increasing Control: British government increased control through the 1770s-1780s.
• By 1818: EIC/British government controlled an extensive empire in India.
• Economic Focus: Policies focused on land ownership, agriculture for export (grain, cotton, opium).
• Impact on Indian Economy: Destruction of textile industry, creation of new jobs didn’t compensate losses.
• Control Methods: Sepoy armies maintained control, disarmed Mughal military.

Sepoy Mutiny (1857)

• Long-standing Discontent: Issues with ethnic and religious divisions, promotion system, deployment without bonus pay.
• Trigger Incident: Introduction of rifle cartridges sealed with beef and pork fat in 1856.
• Religious Offense: Forced Hindu and Muslim soldiers to ingest forbidden substances.
• Unrest to Mutiny: January 1857, changes were made but confirmed soldiers' fears. Full mutiny by spring 1857.
• Sensationalized British Media: Reports of Sepoy atrocities incited revenge.
• British Retaliation: Brutal retribution methods employed.

Post-Mutiny Reforms

• Investigation Findings: Economic frustrations and religious unrest were root causes.
• Policy Shift: New policies to preserve Indian traditions and social hierarchies.
• Centralized Government: British Raj established governance by London, with local governor-general (Viceroy).
  • Queen Victoria granted Indians subject status in 1858.
  • Universities opened to educate Indians in Western style.
• Economic Expansion: Infrastructure investments; however, benefits did not reach the general population.
• New Indian Identity: Led to increased awareness and drive for independence by overcoming social and ethnic divisions.