Objective
Compare the processes by which state power shifted from 1750 to 1900 in Africa.
Reading Questions
How did the British gain control of India?
How did they maintain control while under company rule?
Why did rule shift from private hands to state controlled?
How did Hindus see the change in who ruled India?
What were the economic consequences of European rule in South Asia for artisans?
How did farming practices change in South Asia?
Explain the causes and consequences of the Great Famine
India Prior to British Imperialism
The Mughal Empire ruled India during the Early Modern Period (1450-1750). During this period, Europeans searched for a route to Asia's riches. They could not consistently go to South Asia and Asia because the Ottoman Empire took over Constantinople and did not allow Europeans to pass. However, Europeans-especially the Spanish and Portuguese sent state-sponsored explorers to find a sea route that would avoid the Ottomans. During that same period, the Portuguese established forts along the coast of India. The British East India Company, a joint-stock company, would take over that coastal trade from the Portuguese. After 1750, The East India Company would gradually take over India.
Imperialism in India
After 1750, The British East India Company (EIC) would gradually take over India. Officially the Company would be ruled by the British government. In reality, the EIC had complete independence. When the East India Company first went to the Mughal court in the early 1600s, they were begging to initiate trade, attempting to negotiate favorable trade with the Mughals. With the emperor's permission, they began to build small bases on India's coasts. The EIC traded in spices, textiles, and luxury goods from their coastal bases. They used Indian intermediaries who would get textiles made by Indian artisans for export to Britain. Investors in the Company profited significantly.
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Gaining Control
Initially, they were a small part of the Indian economy and politics. The EIC's influence began to grow through military means. They started to hire locals to create their own private army called the Sepoys. The Sepoy soldiers helped them take over and maintain control. The Company was also able to call on the British national navy when needed. After a couple of battles in1764, the EIC was granted to right to collect taxes by the Mughals in India. The balance of power changed in India. |
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A Shift from Private Ownership to State Control
Initially, the British EIC did not have the resources to control India directly, so they used local Indian princes to maintain control. However, after a rebellion erupted called the Sepoy Mutiny, the British government took direct control over India. Even with the resources of the entire British state, the local population played a part. Although the British held all top-level government jobs, Indians did hold lower-level positions in the government. In the less urbanized regions of India, Indian princes and local rulers had some autonomy. But the British were always the true rulers. For most people, who were Hindus being ruled by Muslims for many years already, the only change was who ultimately ruled. The British minority replaced the Muslim minority in ruling a Hindu Majority. This relationship between local rulers and the British can be seen in the letter below. |
Source: Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah, ruler of the southeast Indian state of Arcot, letter to the Court of Directors of the British East India Company, 1777.
Sirs, it is well known that Tanjore lies in the Carnatic lowlands and that I am, by the blessing of God, the ruler of that part of India. It is only by your favor and assistance, Gentlemen, that I got possession of my right, and I am thankful to you day and night. Nonetheless, I cannot conclude this letter without noting that, by changing your mind and now insisting that the prince of Tanjore be restored to his throne, you are opening this region to your enemies. Reinstating the prince of Tanjore is just the same as inviting the French in this country, because, when they bring their forces here and start hostilities against you, he is certain to ally with them and supply them with everything they need. Give him back the revenues of Tanjore and you might as well be giving them to the French or to the Marathas. Whereas, should they remain in my hands, I will make sure that no part of the wealth of the country falls into the hands of our common enemies.
Sirs, it is well known that Tanjore lies in the Carnatic lowlands and that I am, by the blessing of God, the ruler of that part of India. It is only by your favor and assistance, Gentlemen, that I got possession of my right, and I am thankful to you day and night. Nonetheless, I cannot conclude this letter without noting that, by changing your mind and now insisting that the prince of Tanjore be restored to his throne, you are opening this region to your enemies. Reinstating the prince of Tanjore is just the same as inviting the French in this country, because, when they bring their forces here and start hostilities against you, he is certain to ally with them and supply them with everything they need. Give him back the revenues of Tanjore and you might as well be giving them to the French or to the Marathas. Whereas, should they remain in my hands, I will make sure that no part of the wealth of the country falls into the hands of our common enemies.
Consequences of British Imperialism in India
The British were drawn to South Asia for its abundance of natural resources. After being conquered, India's economy was transformed. The colonies' economy focused primarily on the production and extraction of raw materials and the continuing cultivation of cash crops, opium, and cotton for manufacturing in British factories. India also became a large market for British imported goods affecting the locals negatively. For example, India's cotton textile artisans lost business because of the large influx of British machine-made textiles into India.
The British were drawn to South Asia for its abundance of natural resources. After being conquered, India's economy was transformed. The colonies' economy focused primarily on the production and extraction of raw materials and the continuing cultivation of cash crops, opium, and cotton for manufacturing in British factories. India also became a large market for British imported goods affecting the locals negatively. For example, India's cotton textile artisans lost business because of the large influx of British machine-made textiles into India.
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Farming practices changed. Instead of practicing subsistence farming or farming for their own family's needs, people began to work for meager wages. They needed those wages to pay for the taxes now due to Europeans. Wages were also valuable for purchasing manufactured European products such as bicycles and kerosene. Increased poverty in Africa followed those changes. As the people of India grew cash crops for international markets, their economies became more dependent on the Global North.
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Farming of cash crops combined with a drought led to several famines in India during British Rule. The biggest was the Great Famine of 1876-1878. Instead of keeping wheat to feed the local population, the British had a policy of exporting the grain, adding to the famine. While exporting 6.4 million tons of grain and continuing to farm cotton, the people of India starved. Historians estimate that 30 to 40 million died during this famine.