British anchor vs. Shashi Tharoor

Summary

The video script discusses the detrimental impact of British colonial rule on India, highlighting economic exploitation, deindustrialization, and the suffering of its people. It emphasizes the British Empire's use of India as a cash cow, contributing to its own industrial revolution while impoverishing India. The script also points out the hypocrisy of celebrating democracy after years of oppression and the significant contributions India made to both World Wars, which were never adequately compensated.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The British Empire's global reach was so vast that it was said 'the sun never set on it', implying a distrust even from God due to the English and their colonial actions.
• 📉 India's share of the world economy drastically declined from 23% when Britain arrived to below 4% by the time they left, due to governance that prioritized Britain's benefit.
• 🏭 Britain's industrial revolution was built on the de-industrialization of India, with British policies destroying local industries like handloom weaving and replacing them with British manufactured goods.
• 💸 Colonial figures like Robert Clive amassed personal wealth at the expense of India, leading to a perception of ownership over the country despite their exploitative actions.
• 📉 The decline in India's global trade share from 27% to less than 2% reflects the economic impact of British colonial policies.
• 🌾 British-induced famines, including the Great Bengal Famine during WWII, resulted in millions of deaths due to policies that prioritized Europeans over Indians.
• 💂‍♂️ Winston Churchill's policies during WWII, including diverting essential supplies from Bengal to Europe, demonstrate the harsh realities of colonial rule and disregard for colonial subjects.
• 💰 India's contribution to both World Wars was immense, both in terms of human lives and resources, with a significant financial burden placed on the Indian economy.
• 🛤️ Infrastructure like railways and roads were built to serve British interests rather than the needs of the local population, with costs and benefits skewed towards British enterprises.
• 🗳️ Democracy and rule of law were not extended to India willingly; it was a hard-won right after prolonged struggle against British rule.
• 🤝 British aid to India is minimal, at about 0.4% of India's GDP, contrasting with the substantial economic impact Britain had on India during colonial times.

Q & A

Why does the script suggest that countries with a space program should not be given money?

The script implies that countries with a space program, like Britain during its colonial era, might have been economically prosperous at the expense of other nations, suggesting that financial aid to such countries might not be justifiable.

What was India's share of the world economy before and after British colonization?

Before Britain's arrival, India's share of the world economy was 23 percent, but it dropped to below four percent by the time the British left, indicating the negative economic impact of British rule.

How did Britain's industrial revolution relate to its colonial activities in India?

Britain's industrial revolution was premised upon the de-industrialization of India, where British policies led to the destruction of India's textile industry and the exploitation of its raw materials.

What impact did British policies have on Indian handloom weavers?

British policies, including the imposition of tariffs and duties, and the destruction of looms, led to the destitution of Indian handloom weavers, turning them from world-renowned exporters to beggars.

How did the British exploitation of India's resources contribute to the empire's wealth?

The British exploited India's resources, turning raw materials into manufactured goods that were then sold globally, which financed Britain's rise and its industrial revolution.

What was the role of Robert Clive in British colonial India?

Robert Clive was a colonialist who amassed personal wealth through the exploitation of India, and his actions exemplify the broader pattern of British colonial exploitation.

How did British policies contribute to famines in India?

British policies, including the diversion of essential supplies during World War II by Winston Churchill, contributed to several famines in India, resulting in millions of deaths.

What was the economic cost of World War I to India?

India contributed significantly to World War I, with a cost equivalent to eight billion pounds in today's money, including supplies, ammunition, and personnel.

What was the contribution of India to World War II in terms of personnel and resources?

India provided over two and a half million personnel in uniform and substantial resources, contributing to Britain's war efforts but at a great cost to itself.

How did the construction of railways and roads in India serve British interests?

Railways and roads in India were built to facilitate the extraction and transportation of raw materials for British benefit, rather than to meet the needs of the Indian population.

What is the script's view on the legacy of British colonial rule in India?

The script criticizes the British colonial rule for its oppressive and exploitative nature, challenging the notion that it brought democracy and progress to India.