D.6. Social And Economic Impact Of Colonialism On India

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D.6. Social And Economic Impact Of Colonialism On India

Social Impact

Exposure to modern ideas and institution such as Rationalism, liberalism, humanism, Parliament, etc led to social reforms in Indian society in form of Abolition of sati, widow remarriage, girls’ education, etc
It also led to growth of a nationalist and anti-colonial consciousness.
The knowledge of English has given Indians an edge in the global market, and was introduced during the colonial period. Though English continues to be a mark of privilege in some pockets of India, it has become a necessity and an important tool of communication.
It led to considerable movement of people from one part to another within India and Outside India for employment in tea plantation, as government employees and professionals like doctors and lawyers. This helped in better integration of India and national consciousness.
Due to growth of urbanization and industrialization, employment opportunities grew and the remittances were used for the development of the villages- establishment of educational institute, trusts, fashionable houses, etc.
To prevent opposition from Indian people, British imposed laws to curtail expression of public opinion. They excluded Indians from responsible position in government and discriminated against them in other institutions and in social life
The role of moneylender, Zamindars changed the social structure in villages. The relationship of tribes with forests was changed.
Movement of people from India to other colonies threatened the change in social system of caste. It also involved the oppression of laborers by curtailing their freedom and exploiting them.
Industrialization also led to growth of new social grouping in the society and new social relationship, which further caused division within society.

Economic impact

Industrialization in India was started with the setup of cotton mills in India
Railway construction was started on large scale to extend the Indian market for British Goods.
New urban centers sprawled up like Bombay and Madras, which was at the cost of decline of old urban centers such as Surat and Masulipatnam.
Led to growth of commercial farming and production of cash crops in India.
Industrial revolution in England, led to pouring of British goods in India at an unprecedented rate, which ruined the Indian handicraft Industry and led to de-industrialization in some sectors. For example- traditional exports of silk and cotton manufactures declined in India.
Money, resources were drained out of India and India’s interests were subordinated more and more to British interests
It changed the land ownership laws and decided what crops to be grown and what ought not be grown.