Were there any positive contributions made by the British in India? Discuss.
Were there any positive contributions made by the British in India? Discuss.
Although the motive behind the British rule in India was colonial exploitation, the means resulted in some positive side effects which are as given below:
(i) Political and Economic Unification of India: Prior to the British rule, the Indian sub-continent was divided into small and fragmented territories ruled by different dynasties. The British Government took over the control of these territories and unified the country both politically and economically.
(ii) Development of Means of Transport: Although, the Britishers developed various means of transport, such as roads and railways for their personal benefit, these opened up new opportunities of growth and helped in the cultural unification of the country. The developed means of transport also helped to prevent the spread of famines.
(iii) Growth of Monetary System: The colonial rule helped the country to shift from the barter system of exchange to a monetary system. This monetised system helped the country to benefit from large scale production.
(iv) Spreading Education: The Britishers opened a number of schools in India and introduced English as the official language. Education helped the Indians to identify their basic right of freedom and fight for it. Also, the knowledge of English made them aware of the world and expanded their horizon.
(v) Eradicating Social Evils: The Britishers enacted several laws to ban social evils like Sati system, child marriage, etc. They also encouraged widow remarriage.
(vi) Efficient System of Administration: The Britishers left behind an efficient system of administration. They also made exhaustive records of every plan, policy, agreement, etc. This system of administration and record-keeping helped the independent Indian administration to efficiently manage the country.
Although the motive behind the British rule in India was colonial exploitation, the means resulted in some positive side effects which are as given below:
(i) Political and Economic Unification of India: Prior to the British rule, the Indian sub-continent was divided into small and fragmented territories ruled by different dynasties. The British Government took over the control of these territories and unified the country both politically and economically.
(ii) Development of Means of Transport: Although, the Britishers developed various means of transport, such as roads and railways for their personal benefit, these opened up new opportunities of growth and helped in the cultural unification of the country. The developed means of transport also helped to prevent the spread of famines.
(iii) Growth of Monetary System: The colonial rule helped the country to shift from the barter system of exchange to a monetary system. This monetised system helped the country to benefit from large scale production.
(iv) Spreading Education: The Britishers opened a number of schools in India and introduced English as the official language. Education helped the Indians to identify their basic right of freedom and fight for it. Also, the knowledge of English made them aware of the world and expanded their horizon.
(v) Eradicating Social Evils: The Britishers enacted several laws to ban social evils like Sati system, child marriage, etc. They also encouraged widow remarriage.
(vi) Efficient System of Administration: The Britishers left behind an efficient system of administration. They also made exhaustive records of every plan, policy, agreement, etc. This system of administration and record-keeping helped the independent Indian administration to efficiently manage the country.
