'British rule in India combined self-interest with an arrogant attitude of racial superiority towards the native population.' Flashcards
The ruling elites in India were…?
Completely British. The British did not mix with, or learn from, Native societies. All senior positions in government were held by the British.
What happened after 1858 in regards to the Indian Civil Service?
hey accepts Indian applicants, by 1900 only 5% of the ICS were Indians.
What was ‘Drain Theory’?
Dadabhai Naoroji stated that India’s poverty was a result of British exploitation of India’s resources.
What were ‘home charges’?
Part of Indian revenue that went toward the entire India Office budget and the pensions of officials living in Britain in retirement
What did Evelyn Baring label Indian Civil Servants?
Baboons
What happened to Indians who held any significant power?
They were forced to conform to British way of government. Although very few Indians held positions of any importance.
How did British imports to India show a sense of self-interest?
They flooded local markets/bazaars with cheap imports, which led to these markets/bazaars being shut down and consequently the livelihoods of craftspeople being ruined.
What did many British officials and administrators do India?
They were dedicated and principled, taking their roles seriously and carrying out reforms.
What did Britain give India which helped unify the sub-continent?
A common language, which is argued to have helped the survival of democracy in India.
Instead of a sense of racial superiority, what could be argued as to why Britain colonised India?
They felt a sense of benevolent paternalism.
Who was one-third of the country ruled by?
Indian Princes.
What does the ruling of Indian princes suggest?
Certain Indians were deemed acceptable rulers by Britain.
However, what was the catch with Indian princes’ rule?
They had to conform to British ideals and were given advisors so as to force loyalty to Britain, showing the Princes’ powers were somewhat false.
How did the building of railways help India?
Helped reduce the effects of famine as food could be more easily distributed across India. The building of the railway networks required labourers, leading to an increase in job opportunities for local workers.
What did Queen Victoria state in 1858?
Greater respect will be shown for Indian customs and traditions.
