Impact of British Rule and Key Events in Indian History

What was India's status in global trade before British rule?

India was a major exporter, especially of textiles, spices, and gems, with European traders paying in gold and silver.

How did British rule change India's role in global trade?

1. The East India Company shifted India from a trading power to a supplier of raw materials, draining wealth to Britain and weakening India's economy.

2. However Britian also increased India’s global trade and wealth and trade by connecting them to global markets like China as they used silver and gold to buy Chinese goods

What were Gandhi's main principles and goals?

- promoted nonviolence

- Hindu-Muslim unity

- simple living,

- opposed partition
- moral/social reform.

What were Nehru's goals as India's first Prime Minister?

- focused on secularism
- Modernization through industrialization
- socialist policies,
- aimed for a united India

What challenges did Indian nationalists face post-independence?

Educated class struggled to communicate with the illiterate rural population, and lack of industrial infrastructure hindered economic self-sufficiency.

What sparked the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857?

Causes included rumors of cartridge grease with cow/pig fat (against practice of hindu+islam), low pay, cultural disrespect, and British exploitation.

What was the impact of the Sepoy Rebellion?

It ended British East India Company rule, leading to direct British Raj control and sparked nationalism and resistance movements.

What was the status of women in India before British rule?

Women were subordinated, with practices like sati and purdah however Islam brought some improvements in rights to property and education.

How did the Salt March of 1930 impact India's independence movement?

- 240-mile march against British salt laws inspired millions
- gained global attention
- undermined British authority and gained India the moral high ground

What is the structure of the caste system in India?

The caste system is based on birth (not merit), with four main castes and Dalits (Untouchables) outside, dictating occupation and social mobility. (very hard to get out of)

What efforts did Gandhi make regarding the caste system?

Gandhi worked to eliminate caste discrimination, especially for Dalits, whom he referred to as 'children of God'.

Who were the first Europeans to arrive in India?

Portugese were first to arrive in India in late 1400's and monoplized the spice trade

What role did the British East India Company play in India?

- took control in the 1700s

- exploited/drained India's resources to fund wars and trade.

What characterized the Mughal Empire?

The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur, was known for art, architecture, and centralized administration, with Akbar promoting religious tolerance.

What led to the partition of India in 1947?

Growing Hindu-Muslim tensions resulted in the creation of India (Hindu-majority) and Pakistan (Muslim-majority), causing massive violence and migration.

What was the Kashmir conflict post-partition?

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority princely state, became disputed territory after its Hindu ruler joined India, leading to the 1947-48 war.

What was the outcome of the Bangladesh independence movement in 1971?

East Pakistan fought for independence due to political and economic inequalities, leading to India's intervention and Bangladesh's independence.