Introduction to colonial rule in India from "summary" of A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir
The arrival of the British East India Company marked the beginning of colonial rule in India. The Company initially came to India for trade, but gradually expanded its influence and control over various regions. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a turning point, as it established British supremacy in Bengal. The British introduced various administrative and economic reforms to strengthen their hold over India. They established a system of dual government, where the Company's officials worked alongside Indian rulers. This helped the British to maintain control while also appeasing the local population. The Permanent Settlement of 1793 was another significant development, as it fixed land revenue and gave ownership rights to landlords. This system led to exploitation of peasants and economic hardships for many Indians. The British also introduced Western education and legal systems, which had a lasting impact on Indian society. The British gradually extended their control over other parts of India through conquests and alliances. The Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance were used to annex princely states and ensure their loyalty to the British Crown. This expansion of British territories led to widespread discontent among the Indian population. The British also imposed various economic policies that benefitted their own interests at the expense of the Indian economy. The drain of wealth, discriminatory tariffs, and monopolistic trade practices all contributed to the economic exploitation of India under colonial rule.- The introduction of colonial rule in India by the British East India Company had far-reaching consequences for the Indian subcontinent. It laid the foundation for British imperialism and shaped the course of Indian history for the next century. The impacts of colonial rule, both positive and negative, continue to be felt in India today.
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