MY JOURNAL -12: FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE
Part-3: HORRORS OF SLAVERY
This is the concluding part. Sorry for the delay in posting this.
We seem to have completely forgotten the untold sufferings, agony, misery and every other humiliation our ancestors went through for nearly 200 years as slaves of the British.
Further, as the present generation had no chance of knowing these sufferings, this post aims to bring it to their attention.Also today's generation does not much care about sentiments and emotions, let's us look at the hard facts. Let's dive into the historical background of India's Independence Day. It's a story of a long and challenging struggle that ultimately led to the birth of a nation.
Years of British Rule
British rule in India have lasted for about 200 years, from the mid-18th century to 1947. This period can be divided into two main phases:
Company Rule (1757-1858): This began after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, when the British East India Company gained political control over parts of India. It was a trading company that slowly expanded its power and influence.
The British Raj (1858-1947):
Following the FIRST WAR OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE or Sepoy Mutiny or Indian Rebellion of 1857 as the British would call them, the British Crown took over direct control from the East India Company. This is the period of direct governance by the British Parliament, which lasted till 1947.
Deaths During British Rule
Some studies have suggested that tens of millions of people died prematurely due to factors like famine and poor living conditions, while others have put the number higher.
For example, a number of famines occurred during this time, and different sources give different estimates for the number of people who died in each one.
The Bengal Famine of 1770 and the Great Bengal Famine of 1943 are two of the most well-known.
Economic Impact
Many historians and economists argue that the British policies led to a massive economic drain on India. Some key points of this argument include:
Deindustrialization:
India's traditional industries, especially textiles, were largely destroyed by competition from cheap, machine-made goods from Britain.
Wealth Drain:
A significant amount of wealth was transferred from India to Britain through various means, like taxes and salaries paid to British officials.
Commercialization of Agriculture:
Farmers were often forced to grow cash crops like indigo and cotton for export to Britain instead of food crops, which made the country more vulnerable to famines.
Economists estimate the total wealth drained from India to be in the tens of trillions of dollars in today's value.
Now let us look more closely at one of the famines, or dive into how the economic policies specifically impacted Indian industries.
See this video in YouTube:
The Unmaking of India: How the British Impoverished the World's Richest Country
This video provides a powerful overview of the economic policies and their impact on India.
Adding statistics can really bring the historical context to life and make it more impactful.
Another important YouTube video you must see:
Economic impact: How did India's share of the world's wealth change before and after British rule?
Human cost: :
Deaths During Famines ๐
One of the most tragic aspects of British rule was the series of devastating famines that occurred. While exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint due to historical record-keeping, here are some widely cited figures for major famines:
Great Bengal Famine (1770):
This is one of the earliest and most catastrophic famines under British rule. Estimates for the death toll range from 2 to 10 million people.
The Great Famine of 1876-1878:
This famine affected a huge area and is estimated to have killed between 6.1 and 10.3 million people.
Bengal Famine (1943):
Even near the end of British rule, a major famine occurred. This one is estimated to have caused around 3 million deaths.
Some historians, like Mike Davis, have even calculated that between 12 and 29 million people died in famines in India during the last part of the 19th century alone. These numbers paint a stark picture of the human cost.
India's GDP Worldwide ๐
Looking at India's share of the global economy before and during British rule provides a clear statistical argument for the economic drain.
Around the year 1700, just before British rule began to solidify, India's share of the world's GDP was estimated to be about 24.4%.
By the year 1950, after independence, that number had plummeted to just 4.2%.
This dramatic drop shows a massive deindustrialization and economic shift, where India went from being a major producer and exporter of goods to primarily a source of raw materials for Britain.
Horrible Atrocities ๐
While famines and economic policies had a huge human cost, there were also specific, violent atrocities that are well-documented and serve as a symbol of colonial cruelty.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919):
This is perhaps the most infamous and horrific event. In the city of Amritsar, General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful, unarmed crowd of thousands gathered in an enclosed garden. The official British record states that 379 people were killed, but Indian sources and local accounts suggest the number was closer to 1,000. The troops continued to fire until they ran out of ammunition, and many people died trying to escape or by jumping into a well within the garden.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a deeply emotional and significant event in India's struggle for independence. The fact that the general later said the firing was "not to disperse the meeting but to punish the Indians for disobedience" is a powerful indicator of the cruelty nature of the British rulers of the day
The three points we discussed—famine deaths, the drop in GDP, and specific atrocities like the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre—produce a stark picture of the dark days days of British tyrannical rule.
The nain purpose, aim and objective of this post is to create an awareness among the younger generation so that we do not not to repeat the same historical mistakes again and the terrible consequences that would automatically ensue and it could serve as a lesson for the future.
The Great India Show | When India had 25% Of World's GDP - YouTube
India's journey since independence in 1947 is a story of profound transformation from a largely agrarian, impoverished nation to a major global power. The freedom and independence gained have been the catalyst for progress across all sectors.
Economic Transformation
At the time of independence, India's economy was severely underdeveloped due to colonial exploitation, with its share of the world's income declining from 27% in 1700 to just 3% by 1950. The initial decades focused on a state-led, mixed-economy model, with a focus on self-reliance and heavy industrialization through Five-Year Plans. While this period saw significant growth in industrial output and infrastructure, a system known as the "Licence Raj" also led to bureaucracy and slow growth.
The turning point was the economic liberalization reforms of 1991. These reforms dismantled the Licence Raj, opened up the economy to foreign investment, and integrated India into the global market. This unlocked a new era of rapid growth, particularly in the services sector.
Key Economic Highlights:
GDP Growth:
India has transformed from a stagnated economy to one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. It is projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027.
Services Sector:
The services sector, especially information technology (IT), has become a key driver of growth, earning India the reputation of a global IT hub.
Poverty Reduction:
The number of people living in poverty has significantly reduced, with millions lifted out of destitution through economic growth and welfare programs.
Progress in Science and Technology
India's progress in science and technology is one of its most celebrated achievements. From a country with limited scientific infrastructure, India has emerged as a major player on the global stage, leveraging its talent and resources for innovation and self-reliance.
Key S&T Achievements:
Space Exploration:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made monumental strides. Achievements include the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata (1975); the Chandrayaan missions to the moon, including the Chandrayaan-3 that made India the first country to land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole; and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which made India the fourth space agency in the world to reach Mars orbit on its maiden attempt.
Nuclear Technology:
India developed its nuclear program for both energy and defense. It built its first nuclear fission reactor, Apsara, in 1956 and conducted its first nuclear test in 1974.
Defense:
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) has led to the development of indigenous missiles like Agni and Akash, strengthening the country's defense capabilities.
Digital Revolution:
India has also made significant advancements in the digital sphere, with the "India Stack"—a digital public infrastructure—revolutionizing biometric identification, digital documentation, and cashless transactions, bringing millions into the formal financial sector.
Social Progress
While economic and technological advancements are crucial, social progress has been equally important. Since independence, India has made significant strides in education, healthcare, and social justice. Literacy rates have increased dramatically, from just 12% in 1947 to over 77% today. The establishment of world-class institutions like the IITs and IIMs has created a large pool of skilled professionals. While challenges like inequality and regional disparities persist, the country has also seen major improvements in gender equality, with a growing number of women in politics, business, and science.
India's journey of vision, valor, and progress from 1947 to 2025. This video from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) provides a visual overview of India's progress across various fields since independence.
With all its advancements and achievents, there are ugly scars left from the days of slavery, which affect their lives even today. We have not completely forgotten ot got rid of the genetic malaise. This only highlights the need for awareness and alertness needed to keep its hard-won freedom. There should be no backslixing and those things should not happen again and Indians have to remain united and vigilant.
Despite significant advancements, India still grapples with the long-standing societal issues and historical wounds left by centuries of foreign rule and, even more deeply, by its own indigenous historical injustices. The challenges of colonialism, poverty, and internal social stratification (like the caste system) have left a legacy that continues to affect the lives of many Indians today. These historical scars highlight the crucial need for continuous vigilance and unity to protect the hard-won freedom.
The Lingering Scars
Economic Disparities
Colonial rule systematically dismantled India's indigenous industries and impoverished its population, creating deep economic disparities that persist today. While India's GDP has grown significantly, the benefits have not been evenly distributed. Large gaps in wealth and income remain between different social groups and regions, fueling social tensions and making a portion of the population vulnerable.
Social and Cultural Issues
The social stratification, particularly the caste system, has historically marginalized a significant portion of the population, leading to systemic discrimination and exclusion. While the Indian constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination and mandated affirmative action, its effects on social mobility, access to education, and employment are still felt. Combating this deeply ingrained social malaise requires ongoing efforts and a continuous commitment to social justice.
The Need for Vigilance
Freedom is not a destination; it's a continuous process that requires constant nurturing and protection. The challenges of poverty, inequality, social division, and political polarization all threaten to erode the foundations of a free society.
To prevent any backsliding, Indians must:
Promote Unity:
A diverse nation like India can only thrive if its people remain united. The legacy of "divide and rule" and the presence of social fault lines make it essential to champion national unity over narrow regional, religious, or caste-based interests.
Uphold Democratic Values:
Maintaining a free and democratic society requires active participation and a commitment to constitutional values. This includes protecting freedom of speech, ensuring judicial independence, and holding those in power accountable.
Pursue Inclusive Growth:
True freedom and independence can only be realized when everyone has an opportunity to succeed. Addressing economic inequality and social injustice is not just a matter of policy but a moral imperative to strengthen the nation as a whole.
The ongoing struggles against corruption, communalism, and social inequality demonstrate that the fight for a truly free and equitable India is far from over. It requires the collective effort and vigilance of all its citizens.
To discuss India's progress solely in terms of freedom and independence, without acknowledging its deep and enduring spiritual heritage, would be a gross oversight. This heritage is not just a historical relic; it is a living, breathing force that has shaped India's identity and its approach to progress.
The Role of Spiritual Heritage
India's spiritual traditions, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Sufism, have provided a moral and philosophical compass for the nation for millennia. This heritage has contributed to India's resurgence in several ways:
Inspiration for the Freedom Struggle:
The independence movement was not just a political struggle; it was a moral and spiritual one. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, with his philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth-force (Satyagraha), drew directly from India's spiritual traditions. Figures like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo awakened a sense of national pride and a belief in India's destiny, seeing its liberation as a spiritual act.
Fostering Resilience and Unity:
The philosophical underpinnings of Indian culture, such as the concepts of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and Dharma (righteous conduct), have provided a framework for unity in a diverse and often divided society. This spiritual heritage has enabled Indians to find common ground beyond linguistic, regional, or religious differences.
Soft Power and Global Influence:
In the modern world, India's spiritual heritage is a major source of its "soft power." The global popularity of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda is a testament to the universal appeal of these practices. This spiritual diplomacy has helped India project a positive image on the world stage, fostering cultural understanding and connection.
A Counterbalance to Materialism:
While India is rapidly progressing economically and technologically, its spiritual heritage serves as a powerful reminder that true progress is not just about material wealth. It emphasizes the importance of inner peace, compassion, and a holistic approach to life. This balance is crucial for a society's well-being and can prevent the pitfalls of unchecked consumerism.
In essence, India's hard-won freedom and independence gave it the political and economic tools to rise again. But it was its deep and rich spiritual heritage that gave it the soul, the vision, and the inner strength to rebuild itself. To move forward, it is crucial for Indians to remain connected to this heritage, ensuring that the nation's progress is not just about material gains but is also guided by the timeless values of unity, compassion, and self-realization.
Since achieving independence, India has made remarkable strides, transforming from a largely agrarian economy into a global powerhouse in several key sectors. This progress is evident in its flourishing IT industry, impressive sporting achievements, and the rise of Indian-origin individuals to top positions in business and politics worldwide.
Grateful thanks to GOOGLE GEMINI for its help and support in creating this post.
