1.5.1

Relations with India

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Relations in India

As Britain’s empire grew, it came into contact with increasing groups of indigenous peoples. Britain's relations with the local population in India transformed after the Indian Mutiny, 1857.

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Causes of the Indian Mutiny

  • The mutiny was caused by a number of things. These included:
    • Grievances about pay and changes to the condition of service (rumours about high-caste Hindus being sent by sea to Burma – offended caste laws about crossing water).
    • The use of the Enfield rifle's cartridges, which were greased in animal fat (pork and beef fat). This countered both Hindu & Muslim religious beliefs. The sepoys were mainly Hindu or Muslim, despite Christian missionaries' attempts to convert the Indian population to Christianity.
    • Hostility towards the Governor-General Dalhousie. He seized land from many noble families.
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Effects of the Indian Mutiny

  • The Indian Mutiny was a challenge to British rule. The British had to spend over 12 months battling rebels and they did not regain control of India until June 1858.
  • The Emperor’s sons were executed (meaning there was no chance to restore the Mughal Empire to the throne).
  • The British burned down Indian villages.
  • The Cawnpore massacre of British officers, wives, and children fuelled Social-Darwinist and racist theories that stated Indians were inferior to white British people.
  • In 1858, Parliament took control of the East India Company and the British Raj (period of British government control of India) began.
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Benefits and drawbacks of the British Raj

  • The British built railways, which were geared towards trade and military transport. Many of the goods were for British citizens living in India rather than the local population.
  • Cheap British exports flooded the Indian market. However, this prevented home industries from developing. The USA developed its own domestic industries by protecting its 'infant industries' behind tariffs. India suffered from the opposite experience, exporting raw materials and importing manufactured goods.
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Education

  • A privileged few local people received schooling. However, poverty and famine were high and most Indians did not receive an education.
  • However, until the 1870 Education Act, neither did most British people.
  • Nevertheless, in 1870, 25% of the British population was illiterate (couldn't read or write). In 1872, 96.75% of the Indian population was illiterate.

Jump to other topics

1High Water Mark of the British Empire, 1857-1914

2Imperial Consolidation & Liberal Rule, 1890-1914

3Imperialism Challenged, 1914-1967

4The Wind of Change, 1947-1967

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