ENGLISH SPEECH | SHASHI THAROOR: Britain owes reparations to India (English Subtitles)

Summary

In this impassioned speech, the speaker addresses the British House of Commons, challenging the notion that colonialism benefited the colonies. Using India as a case study, the speaker details the economic exploitation, de-industrialization, and the devastating famines that occurred under British rule. They argue for the moral necessity of reparations, not just monetary compensation, but an acknowledgment of historical wrongs and a commitment to atone for them.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The speaker criticizes the idea that British colonialism did not worsen the economic situation of colonies, using India as a prime example of economic decline under British rule.
• 📉 India's share of the world economy drastically fell from 23% to under 4% during British colonization, largely due to exploitation for Britain's benefit.
• 🏭 The industrial revolution in Britain was built on the de-industrialization of India, with British policies destroying local industries like handloom weavers.
• 💸 Wealth from India financed the rise of Britain for 200 years, with Indian resources being used to fuel British prosperity.
• 🌎 The speaker points out the hypocrisy of British colonialists like Robert Clive, who profited immensely from India while the local population suffered.
• 🌾 British policies led to famines in India, with millions dying due to deliberate actions and a lack of concern for Indian lives.
• 🔥 The speaker challenges the notion of British colonialism as a civilizing mission, highlighting the violence and racism inherent in the colonial experience.
• 💣 The contributions of India to World War I and II were immense, with significant financial and human costs borne by India, which were not adequately recognized or compensated.
• 🚞 The construction of railways in India was primarily for British economic interests, not for the benefit of the Indian population.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The speaker argues that colonialism was beneficial for Scotland, providing prosperity through disproportionate employment and economic gains from India.
• 🙏 The principle of reparations is not about specific monetary values but about acknowledging and atoning for the wrongs committed during colonial rule.

Q & A

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

India's share of the world economy was 23% before Britain arrived, and it dropped to below 4% by the time the British left.

How did British colonialism impact the Indian weavers?

British colonial policies led to the de-industrialization of India, where weavers, once renowned for their fine muslin, were forced into poverty as British tariffs and duties destroyed their markets and British manufactured goods flooded the world.

What was the economic consequence of British rule on India's trade?

India transitioned from being a world-famous exporter of finished cloth to an importer, with its share in global trade plummeting from 27% to less than 2%.

How did colonial figures like Robert Clive contribute to Britain's wealth?

Colonial figures like Robert Clive enriched Britain by looting India, contributing to the wealth of the British elites and the rise of British industry.

What was the role of India in financing Britain's industrial revolution?

India's resources were exploited to finance Britain's industrial revolution, with Britain's rise built on the depredations in India.

What was the impact of British colonialism on India during World War I?

India contributed significantly to the war effort with one-sixth of the British forces being Indian, losing 54,000 lives, and providing substantial financial and material support.

How did the British use the concept of reparations in the 19th century?

In 1833, when slavery was abolished, Britain paid £20 million in compensation not to the enslaved but to those who lost their 'property,' highlighting the skewed moral perspective of the time.

What was the role of India in World War II in terms of military and financial contributions?

India provided 2.5 million troops, and despite being in a state of recession and poverty, contributed significantly to the war debt, with £1.25 billion owed to India by Britain.

How did the British colonial policies affect the development of railways in India?

Railways in India were built to serve British interests, facilitating the extraction of raw materials rather than serving the local population's needs, and were financed through Indian taxes with high returns for British investors.

What is the speaker's stance on the principle of reparations for colonialism?

The speaker argues for the recognition of the moral debt and the principle of reparations, suggesting that an acknowledgment of past wrongs is more significant than a specific monetary value.

How does the speaker refute the argument that reparations might be misused or not reach the intended recipients?

The speaker emphasizes that the principle of reparations is about atonement for past wrongs, not about the specifics of distribution, and that the acknowledgment of debt is more important than the amount.