Colonialism and Anti-Colonialism in India

Colonialism and anti-colonial nationalism in India were the result of historical processes that pre-existed both. Prior to colonialism, India found itself in "a state of anarchy, lawlessness, and arbitrary despotism," which, as Chatterjee points out, was "a central element in the ideological justification of British colonial rule" (622). The British, from their Western perspective, deemed Indian social customs "degenerate and barbaric," a view that prompted them to undertake colonialism as a "civilizing mission" (Chatterjee 622). Abhorring the "long list of atrocities perpetrated on Indian women," the British "colonial mind was able to transform this figure of the Indian woman into a sign of the inherently oppressive and unfree nature of the entire cultural tradition of a country" (Chatterjee 622). Therefore, one of the main features of colonialism was the Westernizing of Indian thought and practice to conform with the views of the invading British. Later, when anti-colonial nationalism came on the rise, the inter meshing of Indian with Western thought was found to be so complex and extensive that a complete detangling was impossible. Elements of British colonialism still remain in India today, and elements of both colonialism and anti-colonial nationalism persist.

The Progression from Colonialism to Anti-Colonial Nationalism

British colonialism in India is characterized strongly by the Westernizing of Indian thought and practice. L

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Category: History - C