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The British Raj: A Captivating Guide to the British in India, Starting from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 to the Indian Independence Act of 1947
If you want to discover the captivating history of the British Raj, then keep reading...
The British presence in India lasted for nearly 350 years, but only the last 90 were under the direct rule of the British government. To some, ninety years might seem a short period to write a history book about. However, the time of the British Raj was very influential. It brought change to Indian politics, education, society, infrastructure, industry, and other aspects of Indian life. But while the British Empire brought modernization to its colonies, that modernization came with a price.
The British Raj did not cover just where India is today. In fact, it spanned across the territories of four separate states that exist Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Burma. It is estimated that around a quarter of a million British were buried in these territories since the East India Company set its first foothold. The oldest European graves can be found in port cities such as Madras or Bombay, where the first merchants settled trading offices.
In The British A Captivating Guide to the British in India, Starting from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 to the Indian Independence Act of 1947 , you will discover topics such as
So if you want to learn more about the British Raj, scroll up and click the "add to cart" button!
The British presence in India lasted for nearly 350 years, but only the last 90 were under the direct rule of the British government. To some, ninety years might seem a short period to write a history book about. However, the time of the British Raj was very influential. It brought change to Indian politics, education, society, infrastructure, industry, and other aspects of Indian life. But while the British Empire brought modernization to its colonies, that modernization came with a price.
The British Raj did not cover just where India is today. In fact, it spanned across the territories of four separate states that exist Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Burma. It is estimated that around a quarter of a million British were buried in these territories since the East India Company set its first foothold. The oldest European graves can be found in port cities such as Madras or Bombay, where the first merchants settled trading offices.
In The British A Captivating Guide to the British in India, Starting from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 to the Indian Independence Act of 1947 , you will discover topics such as
So if you want to learn more about the British Raj, scroll up and click the "add to cart" button!
- GenresHistory
116 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 11, 2024
I love reading about the history of India so this book was already in my special interest category. But I appreciate it opening my eyes to things I didn't know about the British rule of India.
Before I read this book, I would have said that while there were some abuses and a few atrocities, British rule was, overall, a good thing for India. I would not say that now. Because that was before I knew about the millions and millions who died in the famines that were engineered by Britain. Not deliberately engineered but they were responsible just the same.
They took over most of the farmland in India, land that had been used to grow food crops. And they turned that farmland into large plantations growing non-food, cash crops that they could then export and lucratively sell. The Indian people who worked those plantations saw very little of the profit. Most of it went into British coffers. The food crops that were grown, a large portion of those were also taken by the British.
When the predictable thing happened, millions starved in several devastating famines, Britain refused to take responsibility until it was unavoidable. When she finally doled out some famine relief, it was too little, too late.
When India began demanding its independence in the early 20th century, Britain was brutal in its grasping attempts to hold on to "the jewel of the British crown." India was just too profitable to let go. India gained her full independence in 1947 but not before much repression happened and many lives were lost.
I highly recommend this book if you love history and the history of India. I would especially recommend it if you have a rosy, idealized view of the British Empire. It will open your eyes.
Before I read this book, I would have said that while there were some abuses and a few atrocities, British rule was, overall, a good thing for India. I would not say that now. Because that was before I knew about the millions and millions who died in the famines that were engineered by Britain. Not deliberately engineered but they were responsible just the same.
They took over most of the farmland in India, land that had been used to grow food crops. And they turned that farmland into large plantations growing non-food, cash crops that they could then export and lucratively sell. The Indian people who worked those plantations saw very little of the profit. Most of it went into British coffers. The food crops that were grown, a large portion of those were also taken by the British.
When the predictable thing happened, millions starved in several devastating famines, Britain refused to take responsibility until it was unavoidable. When she finally doled out some famine relief, it was too little, too late.
When India began demanding its independence in the early 20th century, Britain was brutal in its grasping attempts to hold on to "the jewel of the British crown." India was just too profitable to let go. India gained her full independence in 1947 but not before much repression happened and many lives were lost.
I highly recommend this book if you love history and the history of India. I would especially recommend it if you have a rosy, idealized view of the British Empire. It will open your eyes.
August 1, 2020
This is an eye-opening study of the effects of the British in India. Although familiar with the East India Company (because of the books I've read through Captivating History), this book gives the 'bigger picture' of the British association with the Indians. It is not a pretty picture. Income from India paid for England's Industrial Revolution. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) numbers of both countries rose because of their association.
However, the culture and religions of India took a hit from the dismissive posture of the British.
The many famines in India are truly appalling. The British viceroy was disdainful of the plight of the people he oversaw. At that time, British merchants were converting farms (providing food for locals) to providing more land to grow things for the British market. When famines occurred, because of bad harvests or poor weather conditions, the British didn't concern themselves with the consequences. Millions died of starvation.
Florence Nightingale was in India and stated that it was a lack of transportation that caused famines. There was no way to get extra foodstuffs from successful farms to areas of famine. She was not shy about other injustices she saw her fellow citizens committing in India. The shocking thing was that there were plenty of trains to transport extra food to needed areas, but the British merchants hogged up the transport to get their products out of the country or the military used it for their purposes.
This book brings out the fact that India wasn't a nation, but multiple cultures and religions living side-by-side. The splitting of Bengal caused a nationalistic wave of enthusiasm to cover India. The story of Mahatma Gandhi was particularly interesting and compelling. Gandhi's Salt March laid the foundation for India's independence and the repetition of nonviolent protests around the world by future leaders.
However, the culture and religions of India took a hit from the dismissive posture of the British.
The many famines in India are truly appalling. The British viceroy was disdainful of the plight of the people he oversaw. At that time, British merchants were converting farms (providing food for locals) to providing more land to grow things for the British market. When famines occurred, because of bad harvests or poor weather conditions, the British didn't concern themselves with the consequences. Millions died of starvation.
Florence Nightingale was in India and stated that it was a lack of transportation that caused famines. There was no way to get extra foodstuffs from successful farms to areas of famine. She was not shy about other injustices she saw her fellow citizens committing in India. The shocking thing was that there were plenty of trains to transport extra food to needed areas, but the British merchants hogged up the transport to get their products out of the country or the military used it for their purposes.
This book brings out the fact that India wasn't a nation, but multiple cultures and religions living side-by-side. The splitting of Bengal caused a nationalistic wave of enthusiasm to cover India. The story of Mahatma Gandhi was particularly interesting and compelling. Gandhi's Salt March laid the foundation for India's independence and the repetition of nonviolent protests around the world by future leaders.
October 31, 2023
Short History of British Rule in India
Explains briefly the history of the British Raj. Not a white wash. Details exploitation and mistakes in governance. Also explains how British influenced institutions of modern India.
Explains briefly the history of the British Raj. Not a white wash. Details exploitation and mistakes in governance. Also explains how British influenced institutions of modern India.
April 9, 2023
A good basic overview of the subject.
September 2, 2023
Fortunately short book, but rather elementary . Would have liked more details .
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews