As we approach the 76th anniversary of India's independence on August 15th, let's reflect on some lesser-known stories that shed light on the heavy costs India bore during its colonial era. These stories remind us of the struggles our nation endured and the resilience we've shown.
Story 1: Farmers' Struggle and Economic Exploitation
In 1874, Indian farmers were caught in the grip of debt imposed by moneylenders, while British authorities were auctioning their lands due to unpaid rent. A farmer named Kaluram from Pune attempted to sell his cotton to settle his debts, but moneylenders refused to buy his crop. Sadly, this wasn't an isolated incident. Thousands of farmers across the country faced similar challenges. This was a calculated strategy by the British to exploit India's resources. Over a span of 200 years, the British plundered a staggering 369 lakh crore rupees from India. To put this in perspective, this amount is now 17 times larger than the combined GDP of both India and Britain. During that era, India's share of the global GDP was 25%, a stark contrast to today's mere 3%.
Story 2: Battle of Plassey and Subjugation
Back in 1757, the Mughal Empire's strength in India was waning. The East India Company, along with French and Portuguese forces, were establishing their control. The Battle of Plassey on June 23, 1757, saw the East India Company, led by Robert Clive, triumph over the forces of Nawab Sirajuddaulah. This victory handed over tax collection control of Bengal, encompassing regions like West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, to the British. This marked a pivotal point in history as British control tightened its grip, taking advantage of the wealth of these regions.
Story 3: The Treaty of Allahabad and British Dominance
Six years after the Battle of Plassey, in 1764, the Battle of Buxar unfolded. The British East India Company, under Major Hector Munro, emerged victorious yet again, defeating Nawab Mir Qasim, Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, and the Mughal emperor Shah-Alam II. This paved the way for the Treaty of Allahabad, which further strengthened British authority. The treaty allowed the East India Company to directly collect taxes from the people of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This gave the Company significant control over the economy of these regions. The treaty also obligated local rulers to support the Company financially and militarily, placing a burden on the Indian populace.
Story 4: Cotton Crisis and Farmer's Struggle
Around 1861, England faced a shortage of cotton due to the American Civil War. Indian farmers stepped in to meet the demand. However, when the Civil War ended in 1865 and cotton supply from the U.S. resumed, the British reduced their purchases from India. This left Indian farmers in debt to moneylenders. The British compelled Indian farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra to grow cotton instead of food crops, pushing them further into debt. Farmers were left in a cycle of loans, as moneylenders manipulated accounts, leading to land auctions.
In 1875, the farmers of Pune and Ahmednagar revolted against moneylenders, demanding accountability and justice. This revolt highlighted the British manipulation that exploited India's resources for their economic gain.
As we commemorate this Independence Day in 2023, let's remember these stories that reveal the sacrifices our ancestors made during the colonial era. They faced economic exploitation, political subjugation, and social injustice. It's a reminder of the strength and unity that brought us independence and the responsibility we hold to safeguard our nation's progress and sovereignty.
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