Dr. Tharoor - Debate of Britain's Colonial legacy and the impact on society today

Summary

In a thought-provoking discussion, Shashi Tharoor critiques Britain's colonial legacy in India, particularly the devastating impact of the 1947 partition. He emphasizes the exploitation and impoverishment of India during British rule, arguing that many British students remain unaware of this history. Tharoor advocates for Britain to acknowledge its wrongdoings and consider atonement, drawing parallels to other nations' apologies for historical injustices. The dialogue challenges romanticized views of imperialism, urging a realistic examination of its consequences on both India and Britain, and highlights the need for educational reform to foster a deeper understanding of colonial histories.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 The film 'Viceroy's House' explores Britain's colonial legacy and the partition of India in 1947.
• 📉 Shashi Tharoor argues that British colonialism reduced India from a wealthy nation to one of the poorest in the world over 200 years.
• 🔍 The partition led to significant violence, with around 15 million people displaced and approximately 1 million lives lost.
• 📚 Many British school children are reportedly not taught about colonial history, which Tharoor criticizes.
• ⚖️ Tharoor compares British colonialism unfavorably with other imperial powers, asserting no colonization is preferable.
• 🛤️ While some British legacies, like railways, have been utilized for Indian benefit, they were originally intended for British profit.
• 👥 Collaboration with local leaders during colonization complicates the moral blame, as both invaders and collaborators played roles.
• 🕊️ Tharoor calls for Britain to acknowledge its colonial wrongs and suggests that atonement begins with recognition.
• 🇨🇦 He cites Canada’s apology for historical wrongs as a potential model for Britain to follow regarding its colonial past.
• 💰 Tharoor emphasizes the significant financial exploitation of India during the colonial period, arguing that moral responsibility should be recognized.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the film 'Viceroy's House'?

The film centers on Lord Mountbatten's arrival in India in 1947 and the complexities surrounding the partition of India.

What does Shashi Tharoor argue about Britain's colonial legacy?

Tharoor argues that Britain significantly reduced India from one of the richest countries to one of the poorest over 200 years of colonial rule, with partition marking a tragic end to that era.

How does Tharoor describe the consequences of the partition?

He describes it as a chaotic and violent process that resulted in the displacement of approximately 15 million people and the loss of around 1 million lives.

What does Max Hastings's review suggest about the teaching of imperialism in British schools?

Hastings claims that modern British schoolchildren are taught that imperialism was purely evil, a view that Tharoor challenges by stating that many students are not adequately taught about colonial history.

What comparison does Tharoor make regarding British policies on famines?

Tharoor compares the British policies that led to famines in India, which killed millions, to similar policies in Ireland, highlighting a pattern of neglect and exploitation.

What are some positive legacies that Tharoor acknowledges from the British colonial period?

Tharoor notes that while many British legacies, like the railways, were created for British benefit, they were later repurposed by Indians for their own development.

What moral responsibility does Tharoor believe Britain should acknowledge?

He argues that Britain should recognize and atone for the wrongs committed during its colonial rule, suggesting that acknowledgment of these issues is necessary for moral accountability.

How does Tharoor respond to claims that the British Empire was the 'least worst' option among imperial powers?

He rejects this notion, emphasizing that preferring one form of colonization over another still implies a preference for oppression, stating he would rather not have been colonized at all.

What significant contribution did India make during World War I, according to Tharoor?

Tharoor mentions that approximately 1 million Indians fought for the British during World War I, contributing significant resources and support, yet their sacrifices are often overlooked in British narratives.

What does Tharoor believe is necessary for Britain to move forward regarding its colonial past?

He believes that collective responsibility and acknowledgment of the harms caused during the colonial era are crucial steps for Britain to take in addressing its historical legacy.