Question

Write short note.

Consequences of colonialism in India.

Answer 1

1. Education: The British set up a system of education which had far reaching impact on Indian society. The medium of instruction in the high school now became English. It became the common language of communication among the learned people. Schools and colleges were open to all individuals, irrespective of caste, creed, gender etc.
2. Culture: Many of the educated elite took to the lifestyle of the British with respect to food habits, dressing, customs, mannerisms, attitudes, beliefs, language, sports and entertainment etc. Eminent Indian sociologist, M. N. Srinivas referred to this process of imitation of the British, as ‘westernization’.
3. Administration: The British set in place new systems of administration. They started the system of Services like the Economic Service, Education Service, Revenue Service and Administrative Service.
4. Economy: The economic system got transformed by industrial growth and its twin process of urbanisation. Caste-based skills and occupations and social relationships were gradually changing due to the impact of a changing economy and the rise of factories. The emergence of economic and educated classes were on the rise. Traditional barriers were gradually dropped.