1. What is colonialism? Give three different definitions based
on the chapter or on your knowledge.
Definition 1: Colonialism is a system in which one country politically controls and economically exploits another country or territory.
Definition 2: It involves establishing settlements, imposing administrative control, and reshaping the economy of the colonised land to serve the coloniser’s interests.
Definition 3: It is a form of imperialism where the resources, labour, and markets of a territory are used for the benefit of the ruling power, often justified by claims of bringing ‘civilisation’ or ‘progress’.
2. Colonial rulers often claimed that their mission was to
‘civilise’ the people they ruled. Based on the evidence in
this chapter, do you think this was true in the case of India?
Why or why not?
No. Although they claimed to modernise India by introducing Western education, law, railways, and telegraphs, these were primarily designed to strengthen British control and extract wealth. Education focused on creating a small class loyal to British administration, and infrastructure mainly served military movement and resource transport. The overall impact was economic drain, cultural disruption, and exploitation, not genuine upliftment.
3. How was the British approach to colonising India different
from earlier European powers like the Portuguese or the
French?
Portuguese: Focused mainly on controlling sea routes and spice trade through fortified coastal settlements (e.g., Goa).
French: Established a few trading posts (e.g., Pondicherry, Chandernagore) and occasionally allied with Indian rulers but never gained full political control over large territories.
British: Transitioned from traders to territorial rulers after 1757, using military conquest, administrative systems, and legal control to govern vast areas. They integrated India into a colonial economy serving Britain.
4. “Indians funded their own subjugation.” What does this
mean in the context of British infrastructure projects in
India like the railway and telegraph networks?
This means British infrastructure projects like railways, telegraphs, and canals were funded by Indian taxes and revenues, but were designed to serve British military and economic interests—transporting troops, moving raw materials to ports, and importing British goods. The costs were borne by Indians, but the benefits flowed to Britain.
5. What does the phrase ‘divide and rule’ mean? Give
examples of how this was used by the British in India?
It refers to a policy of creating divisions among local communities to weaken unified resistance.
Examples in India:
Encouraging religious differences between Hindus and Muslims.
Granting privileges to certain princely states or communities to keep them loyal.
Census classifications reinforcing caste divisions.
6. Choose one area of Indian life, such as agriculture,
education, trade, or village life. How was it affected by
colonial rule? Can you find any signs of those changes still
with us today? Express your ideas through a short essay, a
poem, a drawing, or a painting
British rule transformed Indian agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial farming for export crops like indigo, cotton, and opium. Systems like the Permanent Settlement forced peasants to pay high fixed taxes, leading to debt and land loss. Many farmers abandoned food crops, causing famines. Even today, cash-crop dependency and rural indebtedness have roots in colonial policies.
7. Imagine you are a reporter in 1857. Write a brief news
report on Rani Lakshmibai’s resistance at Jhansi. Include a
timeline or storyboard showing how the rebellion began,
spread, and ended, highlighting key events and leaders.
Headline: “Queen of Jhansi Leads Fierce Resistance Against British Forces”
Timeline:
March 1854: Doctrine of Lapse annexes Jhansi.
May 1857: Revolt breaks in Meerut; unrest spreads.
June 1857: Jhansi rebels, British officers killed.
March 1858: British besiege Jhansi; Rani fights valiantly.
April 1858: Rani escapes to Kalpi; later fights at Gwalior.
June 1858: Rani killed in battle; remembered as a fearless leader.
8. Imagine an alternate history where India was never
colonised by European powers. Write a short story of about
300 words exploring how India might have developed on its
own path.
If India had never been colonised by European powers, the course of its history would have been vastly different. The rich resources, skilled craftsmanship, and flourishing trade that once made India a global economic powerhouse would have continued to grow under indigenous leadership. Ports like Surat, Masulipatnam, and Calicut would have remained bustling centres of international commerce, trading textiles, spices, precious stones, and handcrafted goods with Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Without the disruption of traditional industries by foreign imports, India’s textile industry—famed in Bengal, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu—might have evolved into a world leader in fashion and fabric technology. Shipbuilding in coastal states could have expanded, making India a major maritime power in the Indian Ocean.
Education would likely have followed a blended path, where traditional learning in Sanskrit, Persian, and regional languages coexisted with modern sciences and mathematics. Universities similar to ancient Nalanda or Takshashila could have been revived and expanded, producing scholars, scientists, and reformers to lead social progress.
Politically, India might have formed strong confederations of princely states, eventually moving toward a federal democratic system through reform movements led by visionary leaders. These leaders could have initiated social reforms against untouchability, gender inequality, and illiteracy without the shadow of foreign dominance.
Agriculture would have modernised with locally designed irrigation systems and improved farming techniques, ensuring food security while still growing cash crops for export. Railways and telegraphs, if introduced, would have been built with Indian capital and expertise, serving the people rather than an imperial power.
Culturally, art, music, and architecture would have flourished uninterrupted, blending tradition with innovation. India might today stand as one of the most influential nations in the world—economically independent, culturally vibrant, and politically strong—charting its destiny without the scars of colonial exploitation.
9. Role-play: Enact a historical discussion between a British
official and an Indian personality like Dadabhai Naoroji on
the British colonial rule in India.
British Official: “Our rule has brought railways, telegraphs, and modern education to India. We have improved administration and brought law and order.”
Dadabhai Naoroji: “While these changes exist, they primarily serve British interests. Railways transport your goods and troops, telegraphs aid your control, and education produces clerks for your offices. The wealth of India is being drained to Britain, leaving our people impoverished.”
British Official: “We are investing in infrastructure for India’s progress.”
Dadabhai Naoroji: “These projects are funded by Indian revenues, not British money. The benefits flow outward to your industries, while Indian industries decline and peasants suffer under heavy taxation.”
British Official: “We believe our governance is civilising India.”
Dadabhai Naoroji: “True civilisation uplifts the people, but your policies exploit them. India can progress when it governs itself and uses its wealth for its own people.”