Lecture Notes: Critique of Colonial Exploitation and Nationalism in India

Introduction

• Key Theme: Winning minds is crucial in battles; colonialism involved psychological domination.
• Imperialism Insight: Imperialists manipulated perceptions, making colonized feel like a burden ("White Man's Burden").

Rudyard Kipling and "The White Man's Burden"

• Publication: 1899
• Core Idea: Duty of white people to "civilize" non-white societies.
• Kipling's View: British Empire as a positive force, spreading civilization.
• Controversy: Kipling labeled as a racist; modern critique of celebrating his works.

Economic Impact of British Rule in India

• Economic Critique by Nationalists:
  • Early nationalists identified exploitation via trade, industry, and finance.
  • Dada Bhai Naoroji's Observation: India as supplier of raw materials, importer of British goods.
  • Economic Policy: Transformation into a raw material supplier and market for British products.

Historical Economic Perspective

• 18th Century: India's economy was 23% of world economy.
• Post-British Rule: Dropped to 3%.
• Reason: Governance for Britain's benefit, financing British wars.

Critique of British Investments

• Railways: Built not out of love, but to strengthen British economic and political hold.
  • Transport of raw materials to ports.
  • Import of British goods into India.
  • Quicker troop deployment.
  • Financed by Indian taxes, profits went to British entities.

Impact on Local Industries

• Indian Handicraft and Modern Industries: Ruined and hindered by colonial economic policies.
• Nationalist Economic Analysis: Highlighted issues and proposed solutions.

Nationalist Agitation and Swadeshi Movement

• Economic Analysis: Led by Dada Bhai Naoroji and others.
• Swadeshi Movement: Promoted the use of Indian goods, boycotting foreign products.
  • 1896 Campaign: Public burning of foreign clothes in Pune and other towns.

Criticism of British Economic Policies

• Land Revenues and Plantation Workers: Calls for reduction and better conditions.
• Military Expenditure: Critique of high costs for global wars.
• Dada Bhai Naoroji's Quote: Security of life and property was illusory; British prosperity prioritized.

Conclusion

• Legacy of Economic Nationalism: Foundation for Indian Nationalism.
• Courage of Leaders: Speaking against British Empire's exploitation despite risks.
• Inspirational Leadership: Dada Bhai Naoroji and contemporaries' contributions to economic critique and nationalism.