British Imperialism in India

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Colonialism, by definition, is exploitative and oppressive, with the rulers enriching themselves at the expense of those they rule. Generally speaking, colonizers dominate a territory’s resources, labor force, and markets; oftentimes, they impose structures to maintain control over the indigenous population. The presence of the British, under the British East India Company from 1600-1857, and the British Crown from 1858 until 1947, had been a major influence in defining India's political and social structures. India under British rule influenced a society in which rigidly enforced caste system, based on race and hierarchy that kept each member of society fixed in place with no chance for advancement or intermingling with other castes. In addition to the social and political indoctrination and the world wide breakthrough of industrialization during this time, British colonization in India clearly defines the nature which colonial powers can perpetuate their status in a global market by taking advantage of indigenous people for socio-economic prosperity. It is these direct and indirect practices that would prove to be a staple of British imperialism throughout their reign of superiority leading into span of over two centuries. Britain’s 200-year run ruling India began in the mid-17th century when the British East India Company set up trading posts in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. In 1757, Robert Clive led Company-financed troops – led by British officers and staffed by native soldiers known as sepoys, in a victory over French-backed Indian forces. The victory at the Battle of Plassey made the East India Company the leading power in the country. It would dominate India for just over 100 years, providing the companies British investors with that of a “king’s ransom.” The area which the Honorable company controlled over that time expanded to encompass modern Bangladesh,
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