British India 1858-1947
Great Britain ruled over India from 1858 to 1947. "They ruled about 60% of India directly and the other 40% indirectly through native princes who followed British policies" (flowofhistory.com). This period is known as the British Raj, in Hindi meaning 'to rule' or 'kingdom' (bbc.co.uk). In some cases, British rule was beneficial to the subcontinent. They created new and advanced technology such as coal and iron industries, railroads, and telegraphs. “Admirers of British rule point to the economic developments, the legal and administrative system, and the fact that India became the center of world politics” (nationalarchives.gov.uk). Although these improvements provided Western economic progress in the lives of the Indians, they disrupted the traditional Hindu and Muslim cultures of India, causing these native populations to be come discontent with British rule (flowofhistory.com).
“By the end of the 19th century, several nationalist movements had emerged in India. Indian nationalism had expanded as the result of British policies of education and the advances made by the British in India in the fields of transportation and communication. However, British insensitivity to and distance from the people of India and their customs created such disillusionment among Indians” (postcolonialstudies.emory.edu).
By the beginning of the 20th century, the citizens of native population of India increasingly resented the British rule and began to rebel against their control. In 1916, by the Lucknow Pact, the Indian National Congress representing Hindu interests and the All Indian Muslim League representing Muslim interests “unit to demand greater self-government” but was rejected by the British (postcolonialstudies.emory.edu).
During the 1920’ and 1930’s Indian nationals continue to protest and make demands for independence. Below is a timeline of nationalist movements made leading up to the Partition:
Click to view the timeline
There were several reasons the British gave up their political power. One was the nationalist movements. A second and principal reason was World War II (1939-1945). Britain needed the strength of India's army to fight the war.
"To repay India, they handed over their rule. The actual timing of independence owed a great deal to World War Two and the demands it put on the British government and people" (bbc.co.uk).
"The Labour party had a tradition of supporting Indian claims for self-rule, and was elected to power in 1945 after a debilitating war which had reduced Britain to her knees" (bbc.co.uk).
Click to view the timeline
There were several reasons the British gave up their political power. One was the nationalist movements. A second and principal reason was World War II (1939-1945). Britain needed the strength of India's army to fight the war.
"To repay India, they handed over their rule. The actual timing of independence owed a great deal to World War Two and the demands it put on the British government and people" (bbc.co.uk).
"The Labour party had a tradition of supporting Indian claims for self-rule, and was elected to power in 1945 after a debilitating war which had reduced Britain to her knees" (bbc.co.uk).