British Rule had a tremendous effect on Indian society, economy and culture. It also gave rise to a sense of nationhood and a spirit of Nationalism arose which resulted in National Awakening and a feeling of revolt against Britishers.
Methods of Colonisation In India
England succeeded in controlling trade with India and established the East India Company in 1600. The first factory was established at Surat in 1613.
The battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764) provided the ground for the British success in India. The British rule in India formally started in 1757 after the battle of Plassey. The Britishers secured certain rights from the Diwan of Bengal. The East India Company now became a political entity and no longer remained a commercial trading venture.
The Anglo-Mysore Wars: Ended in the heroic defeat and death of Tipu Sultan. Large ports like Kanara, Coimbatore and Srirangapatnam were secured by the British (1799 AD).
The Anglo-Maratha Wars: The English defeated the Peshwa, dethroned him and annexed all his territories.
The Anglo-Sikh Wars: Punjab was annexed by Lord Dalhousie. Maharaja Dalip Singh, the son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was pensioned off and sent to England.
Soon many more native states came under British control through the systems of Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance.
Economic Impact
English merchants succeeded in selling their goods at a cheap price as foreign goods were given free entry in India without paying any duty.
Indian handicrafts were taxed heavily when they were sent out of the country. This made a huge impact on the Indian handloom weaving industry leading to its virtual collapse.
Land Revenue Policy
The land revenue experiments of the British like the Permanent Settlement, the Mahalwari Settlement and the Ryotwari Settlement caused hardship to cultivators.
Commercialisation of Agriculture took place with tea, coffee, indigo, opium, cotton, jute, sugarcane and oilseed being grown. As a result food grain production went down.
Transport and Communication
The vast network of railways was pioneered during the latter half of the 19th century. This opened avenues for British bankers and investors to invest surplus wealth and material in the construction of railways.
Rise of New Middle Class
During British rule, India witnessed the introduction of new law courts, government officials and commercial agencies. The Britishers also created a new professional and service-holding middle class, apart from those with landed interests.
Impact on Society and Culture
Indian society had certain social ills like female infanticide, child marriage, Sati, polygamy and a rigid caste system. Other malpractices were expensive rituals, sacrifices and practices after birth or death outlined by the priestly class.
Many legal measures were introduced to improve the status of women. The practice of Sati was banned in 1829. Widow Remarriage was permitted. Sharda Act was passed in 1929 preventing child marriage.
Education Policy
Education policy was so conceived that the Indians would be ready to work as clerks on low wages to create a class of Indians who were loyal to the British & appreciate the culture of the British and help to increase the market for British goods.
Impact of the Reform Movement
The religious reform movements instilled in the minds of Indians greater self-respect, self confidence and pride in their country. The introduction of modern education guided the Indians towards a scientific and rational approach to life.
Protests Movements
The adverse impact of the British rule on the political, economic and social spheres resulted in sharp reaction of the Indian people against the foreigners. This led to a series of the anti-British movements throughout the country. Peasants and tribes rebelled against exploitative rulers.
Impact of the Revolt of 1857
The Revolt of 1857 for the first time unified and brought together people having different ethnic, religious and class background against the British rule.
The revolt brought an end to East India Company’s rule, along with changes in the British policy towards Indian States.