Positive Effects of the British Colonization of India

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Many positive things happened during, and as a result of, the British colonization of India. When the East India Company took control of India in 1612, they began modernizing, westernizing, and industrializing India. This westernization included giving women more rights, an attempt to eliminate the caste system and the loss of many of the more backward Hindu religious beliefs such as the domination of women by men and denying an entire class of people any rights. British occupation also did things long term for India. The modern technology and western customs allowed India to become a burgeoning regional superpower. The colonization of India was helpful for India because it went a long way to modernize India, westernized India in government and equality, and allowed India to be a successful country it is today.

When the East India Company colonized India, it was very much technologically backward. The introduction of British technology and customs changed all that. When the British East India Company took control of India they brought with them modern technology. They began setting up infrastructure. They build roads, and railroads to carry goods and people all around India. They also brought with them modern farming techniques which made Indian farmers more efficient and productive. These were undoubtedly positive developments for India.

Along with modern industry came western education, at the time it was the best in the world. The investment in the education of the Indians by both the British and the Indians gave India a leg up on other developing nations of the time. When the British settled in India, almost immediately English schools began popping up, at first British schools were only for the children of the British. ...

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Ross, Kelley L. "The Caste System in Hinduism." The Proceedings of the Friesian School. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. .

Schama, Simon. A History of Britain. the Fate of Empire, 1776-2000. 1st ed. Vol. 3. New York: Hyperion, 2002. Print. A History of Britain.

Sowell, Thomas. Conquests and Cultures: an International History. New York: Basic, 1998. Print.

"Untouchables of India." Pezarkar's Info Site. Adaniel's Info Site. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. .

V, Jayaram. "The Status of Women in Hinduism." Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and Other Resources. Jayaram V. Web. 21 Mar. 2010. .

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