Download The British in India - Mira Costa High School

The British in India
Review of Major Ideas
Early Imperialism in India
The Mughal dynasty controls
European traders
 The Mughal Empire collapses and
gives way to dozens of small states
ruled by maharajahs
 The East India Company expands
its control over India using private
army assembled of British officers
and sepoys or Indian soldiers

The “Jewel in the Crown”
India was a major supplier of raw
materials to Britain
 India’s population of 300 million
offered a huge market potential
 British rule brings order and stability
to the previously divided society
 New schools were to serve only the
elite of India with 90% of people
remaining illiterate

Cost of British Rule
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Trade restrictions on India prevented
economic independence
British and small numbers of Indians
reaped financial benefits while millions
were exposed to added hardships
British goods destroy local industries such
as the Indian textile industry
Local tax collectors, zamindars,
commissioned by the British became
corrupt
Farmers were encouraged to grow “cash
crops” contributing to famines (300
million died)
Political Changes
The sepoy mutiny (1857) results
in more direct British control using
larger British military
 Both sides commit atrocities but
Indians massacre women and
children at Kanpur
 British Parliament transfers control of
India from EIC directly to British
government (1876), Queen
Victoria becomes Empress of India

Indian Nationalism Grows
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Indian nationalism began in the Englisheducated upper-class
Prevalent in Bombay, Madras, Calcutta
Indian nationalists pushed for reforms and
a share in governing, but were largely
divided (Hindus/Muslims)
Gandhi begins non-violent resistance
movement for independence