The Unmaking of India: How the British Impoverished the World’s Richest Country

Summary

The video explores the drastic decline of India's economy from 27% of the world's share in 1700 to less than 3% by 1947, attributing this to British colonial exploitation. Following the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, India fell into chaos, allowing the British to establish a monopolistic grip over its industries, particularly textiles and shipbuilding. The British imposed harsh taxes, leading to widespread poverty and famines that claimed millions of lives. Ultimately, the colonial regime extracted immense wealth from India, dismantling its vibrant economy while reaping benefits for Britain.

Takeaways

• 📈 In 1700, India's economy accounted for 27% of the world's total, far surpassing Europe's combined share.
• 🕌 The death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire's decline, leading to instability in India.
• ⚔️ The British exploited India's political chaos, establishing dominance by using both diplomacy and military power.
• 💰 The British viewed India as an inexhaustible source of wealth, aiming to extract resources rather than invest in local development.
• 🔨 By 1947, British colonial rule had devastated India's native institutions, economy, and social cohesion.
• 🧵 India was a textile superpower, holding a 25% share of the global textile trade by the mid-18th century.
• 🚢 The Indian shipbuilding industry was highly advanced, with Bengali ships being more durable than their English counterparts.
• 💼 The British imposed harsh tariffs and monopolies on Indian industries, leading to the destruction of local manufacturing.
• 👩‍🌾 Colonial taxation was extreme, often exceeding 50-80% of income, causing widespread poverty and exploitation of farmers.
• ⚠️ British policies contributed to catastrophic famines in India, resulting in an estimated 35 million preventable deaths during their rule.

Q & A

What was India's share of the world's economy in 1700, and how did it change by 1947?

In 1700, India's share of the world's economy was 27%, which was greater than all of Europe combined. By 1947, this share had decreased to less than 3%.

What event in 1707 CE triggered a decline in the Mughal Empire?

The death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 CE sent the empire into a spiral of decline marked by weak leadership and internal conflicts.

How did the British exploit India's vulnerability during the 18th century?

The British leveraged India's internal strife by bribing local rulers and using military force to establish dominance, viewing India as a resource-rich territory to exploit.

What was the impact of British colonial rule on India's manufacturing industry?

British colonial rule led to the dismantling of India's manufacturing industries, particularly textiles, forcing India to become a supplier of raw materials instead of a producer of finished goods.

How did the British alter the Indian textile industry?

The British established a monopoly over the Indian textile industry, imposed tariffs, and destroyed local production capabilities, leading to widespread unemployment among skilled artisans.

What were the tax rates imposed on Indian cultivators under British rule?

Tax rates for Indian cultivators ranged from 50% to 80% of their gross income, often calculated before harvests, leaving many unable to meet their tax obligations.

What were the consequences of the British taxation policies in India?

The taxation policies resulted in widespread poverty, displacement of farmers, and catastrophic famines, as many peasants could not afford food due to high taxes.

How did British railways in India serve their colonial interests?

British railways were primarily built to facilitate the extraction and export of India's resources, benefiting British shareholders rather than improving the local economy.

What evidence is there of famine caused by British policies in India?

An estimated 35 million preventable deaths due to famines occurred during British rule, exacerbated by the mass export of Indian foodstuffs, even during droughts.

How does the post-colonial period compare to British rule regarding famine?

Since gaining independence, India has not experienced any large-scale famines, indicating that the governance and policies of independent India have been more effective in providing for its people.