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ICSE Class 8 Answered

Would it be write to say that the colonial rule had both positive and negative impact on India?Justify your answer.
Asked by mkp400 | 16 Oct, 2017, 07:57: PM
answered-by-expert Expert Answer
Let us first look at the positive and negative impact of British rule in India.
Negative Impact: Within just two centuries of the British rule, India became one of the poorest countries in the world. Her cotton textile industry was systematiclly ruined by the British and her foreign trade declined. Peasants became poorer. It was because the British taxed them heavily and gave them no concessions during crop failure. Artisans and craftsmen also suffered during the British rule. India's wealth was taken away by the British making its people impoverished. Though, the British introduced western education, only few people were educated at the time when the British left our country. Education in primary schools was neglected. There was no industrial growth in the country as Britan wanted India to be dependent on her for industrial products.
Positive Impact: Some positive impact of the British rule in India were the introduction of the railways, post and telegraph system for masses, introduction of Western sceinces and the English language. However, it is to be noted that the British intorduced railways for its own benifits. Railways helped in the transportation of raw materials and finished goods from one part of the country tot he other. Telegraph and railways also provided to the British a faster means of transport and communication respectvely. Western education was introduced to create a class of Indians who would be Indian in blood but English in manners. This was done to create a feeling of loyality amongst the Indian masses.
Based on the above points we can say that though the British rule had both positive and negative impact on India, overall the colonial rule was a disaster for the Indian economy and the people.
Answered by Social Science Expert | 17 Oct, 2017, 08:36: AM
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