The Age of Imperialism (1800–1914)

Lesson 4 India Becomes a British Colony

The Age of Imperialism (1800–1914)
Lesson 4 India Becomes a British Colony

Learning Objectives
• Understand the causes and effects of the Sepoy Rebellion.
• Explain the impact of British rule on India.
• Describe how the British and Indians viewed one another.
• Trace the origins of Indian nationalism.
The Age of Imperialism (1800–1914)
Lesson 4 India Becomes a British Colony

Key Terms
• sati
• sepoys,
• viceroy
• deforestation,
• Ram Mohun Roy
• purdah
The British East India Company

During the 1500s and 1600s, the Mughals presided over a powerful empire in India. By the
mid-1700s, however, the Mughal empire was in decline. When Mughal rulers were strong,
the British East India Company gained only limited trading rights on the fringe of the
empire.
The British East India Company

• Exploitation of Indian Diversity

• Implementation of British Policies
• Increasing Discontent
• The Sepoy Rebellion
• Impact of the Rebellion
The British East India Company

Draw Conclusions An official of the British East India Company rides in an Indian procession in the early
1800s. How does the painting convey the power of the British?
India Under British Rule

After 1858, Parliament set up a system of colonial rule in India which became known as
the British Raj. A British viceroy in India governed in the name of the queen, and British
officials held the top positions in the civil service and army. Indians filled most other jobs.
With their cooperation, the British made India the “brightest jewel” in the crown of their
empire.
India Under British Rule

• An Unequal Partnership
• The Strain of Population Growth
• Benefits of British Colonial Rule
India Under British Rule

This railway station was built in India in 1878 during the British Raj. British architects incorporated
traditional Indian architectural features into the design.
India Under British Rule

Support a Point of View with Evidence The graph and timeline show some effects of the British Raj. All
things considered, was British rule a positive or a negative for India? Why?
Diverse Views on Culture

Some educated Indians, impressed by British power and technology, urged India to follow
a Western model of progress. These mostly upper-class Indians had learned English and
adopted many Western ways. Other Indians felt that the path to freedom lay within their
own Hindu or Muslim cultures.
Diverse Views on Culture

• Indian Attitudes
• Westerner Attitudes
Diverse Views on Culture

In the early 1800s, Ram Mohun Roy, a scholar known as the father of Indian nationalism, tried to
reform traditional Indian culture.
The Growth of Indian Nationalism

Under British rule, a class of Western-educated Indians emerged. The British expected this
elite class to support British rule. As it turned out, exposure to European ideas had
another effect. By the late 1800s, Western-educated Indians were spearheading a
nationalist movement. Schooled in Western ideals such as democracy and equality, they
were determined to end foreign rule.
The Growth of Indian Nationalism

• Indian National Congress

• Formation of the Muslim League
The Growth of Indian Nationalism

AC Mazumdar served as president of the Indian National Congress, which pushed for self-rule for India.
Quiz: The British East India Company

What was one effect of the Sepoy Rebellion?

A. The British Parliament extended the rule of the East India Company.
B. The British ended the rebellion without hurting any Indian civilians.
C. The British increased reforms, attempting to convert Indians to Christianity.
D. The British Parliament put India under the rule of the British government and monarch.
Quiz: India Under British Rule

How did British colonial rule affect education in India?

A. There was not a major effect, since only British students were allowed a western
education.
B. A majority of people in India took advantage of new British schools to gain a better
education.
C. New British schools mostly benefited the sons of wealthy Indian families.
D. New British schools mostly benefited farmers, who learned new agriculture
techniques.
Quiz: Diverse Views on Culture

How did Ram Mohun Roy hope to transform Indian culture and society?

A. He wanted to combine Hindu customs related to women with British education for
Indians.
B. He wanted to start an Indian nationalism movement for independence from British
rule.
C. He wanted to modernize education in India while restoring pride in Indian culture.
D. He wanted to keep India’s caste system but require Indians to learn English.
Quiz: The Growth of Indian Nationalism

What was a difference between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League?

A. The Muslim League did not want to end British rule.

B. The Muslim League wanted a separate Muslim state.
C. The Indian National Congress did not allow Muslims to participate.
D. The Indian National Congress wanted to consider a separate Hindu state.