Some Important Events During the Time of the British Raj

Our modern history is considered to have begun in 1850 and came to an end in around 1945, Majority of that time India was under British rule also known as British Raj

British Raj was started in 1858, It also has many different names such as Crown Rule of India and Direct Rule in India, it was started by Queen Victoria when the British establish their “East India Company” was establish in Surat, Gujarat, The first chairman was Robert Clive and it was formed to enhance the trading in Indian Ocean region and I ended in 1947.

India under British Raj

This era marked a significant chapter in Indian history, characterized by political, social, and economic changes brought about by British imperialism.

Politically, India was transformed into a vast British colony. The British East India Company's control was transferred to the British Crown after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. 

The governance was centralized, with the Viceroy acting as the representative of the British monarch. Indians were largely excluded from participating in the administration, and policies were formulated to serve British interests.

1. Social Side

The social fabric of India underwent a profound transformation during this period. British rule brought modern education, railways, and telegraph systems, which led to the emergence of a middle class. 

However, the colonial regime also perpetuated racial discrimination, resulting in social divisions and a sense of inferiority among Indians.

2. Economic Side

Economically, India's resources were exploited for the benefit of Britain. The British introduced cash crops, leading to a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. 

Industries were developed, but they mainly served British interests, undermining indigenous industries. The Indian economy became dependent on the export of raw materials and the import of finished goods.

The British Raj witnessed several significant movements and uprisings against colonial rules, such as the Indian National Congress and the Swadeshi Movement. These movements laid the foundation for India's struggle for independence.

Overall, the period of the British Raj in India left a lasting impact on the country. It brought about modernization, but it also led to exploitation and the erosion of Indian culture and identity. The struggle for freedom from British rule eventually culminated in India's independence in 1947.

Some Important Events during the Time of the British Raj

There are many important events under British Raj let's recall it date wise.

1. First War of Independence in India (1857)

It was the rebellion against British rule in India in 1857-1859 though it was unsuccessful still left a great impact on the Britishers. Some important leaders who started rebelling against the Britishers are Rani Laxmi Bai, Bahadur Shah Zafar and Mangal Pandey.

2. Foundation of Indian National Congress (1885)

On 28 December 1885, The Indian National Congress was founded at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay, now precursor by Sonia Gandhi The primary goal of the Indian National Congress was to the development of a democratic.

3. Foundation of Muslim League (1906)

It was formed at the Ahsan Manzil place of the Dhaka Nawab family, The main reason for this foundation was to secure the rights of Indian Muslims.

4. Resolution of Poorna Swaraj (1929)

On 19^th December Poorna Swaraj was propagated at the INC, this act aimed to remove British Raj and to establish Independence.

5. Dandi March (1930)

It was a march of Indian citizens to aid themself in producing salt, It started in Dandi (Now located in Navasari district, Gujarat).

6. Quit India Movement (1942)

On August 8 All members of the India Congress Committee came together in Bombay to launch the Quit India Movement, the motive of this Movement was to demand an end to British rule.

7. Partition of India (1947)

Though there are many reasons for the partition of India but one of the main reasons was to divide based on religious affiliation which creates a Muslim Majority in the West (now known as Pakistan).

8. Constitution Development of India (1950)

To make our constitution AB Ambedkar took (2years 11months and 17 days), He was also known as the father of the Indian constitution.

Modern history tells us about how Indians struggled to get their freedom from British Rule.

Written by Aditi Singh