British Raj in India - Blessing or Curse ?

[Punnaimaran]

We have often discussed about the sufferings of our people under the British rule. But there is an other side of the same which, in my opinion, has not been elaborately analysed. For a change, we shall discuss the advantages that the British rule brought to India and then come to a conclusion whether they outweigh the disadvantages.

To start with a few advantages :

1. Unified India in place of numerous small warring kingdoms.
2. Protection of India from other invaders.
3. Uniform Civil Law as opposed to Manu Smriti.
4. Education for anyone who wished to study.
5. Development of Science & Technology.
6. Infrastructure eg. Electricity, railways....
7. Industrialisation.

In my opinion, we would not have had all these even now if it were not for the british. I would like to hear your views...

Regards,
Punnaimaran

[app_engine]

Interesting topic, Punnaimaran!

Most rulerships have been found to be oppressing people and are typically interested in the welfare of the rulers rather than people in general, historically. This is not just in India but around the world. Even in the so-called by-the-people democracy it appears to be the same - except that the rulers are selected by popular vote rather then geneology.

I've been regularly reading the 'agam-puRam-andhappuram' in the Kumudam Reporter (which talks about the various deeds of the swadesi maharAjas, mostly during the British Raj) and wonder whether people craved for independence from these goondA's first:-)

Also, it was not a golden age prior to the British rule. Neither it is after independence and we know the current atrocities of politicians.

To me any oppression of people is bad, including the British oppression of many parts of the world including India. However, it's just one of those in the history and all these hyping of 'independence' is another political marketing of a few smart people.

Having said this, I want to add my great regards for Gandhiji, on aspects other than the independence struggle. And I'm convinced that my respect for him is not less than that of what today's politicians have for him:-)

[Punnaimaran]

Dear app_engine,

As you have said Mr. M. K. Gandhi was indeed a Mahatma, though I too have reservations about his role in the so called struggle for independence.

Regards,
Punnaimaran