Modern Indian History

Indian history is massive and comprises several significant events in ancient India. We can categorize India’s historical events into three significant periods depending on the date of their occurrence – Ancient, Medieval, and Modern history of India.  

Modern Indian history began only after the 1750s, and a significant part of modern Indian history was occupied by the British East India Company and British Rule. It also covers India’s struggle for freedom and its independence from British rule. 

Modern India history began with the fall of the Mughal dynasty and the rise of European visitors. Modern Indian historiography can be categorised and learned in six significant events, and they are:

• India in the 1750s under the rule of the Mughals.
• The advent of Europeans and British expansion in India.
• Rules and Policies implemented by the British Government.
• Revolt against the British Empire, especially Revolt of 1857.
• Socio-Religious movements that took place in India.
• The establishment of Indian Nationalism.

Now, let us learn about modern Indian history in detail.

India In The 1750s – The Fall of Mughal Empire

As we discussed above, modern Indian history began with the downfall of the Mughal dynasty. During the early 1700s, almost the entire Indian subcontinent was under the administration of the Mughals. 

The Mughal dynasty ruled over the Indian subcontinent for almost three centuries, from 1526 to the 1850s. The expansion of the Mughal empire was astonishing as they captured entire India during their reign. 

Aurangzeb was widely popular as the last able and efficient ruler of the Mughal Dynasty. After his death, the entire Mughal empire was transferred to his weak successors, leading to the downfall of the Mughal rule in India. 

Aurangzeb was a well known Mughal ruler famous for his policies and administration. He ruled over the entire Indian subcontinent for approximately five decades until 1707. However, after his death, his successors could not take control of the Indian subcontinent.

The weak administration and policies of the later Mughals led to the destruction of Mughal rule in India. Moreover, the continuous foreign invasions and revolts were also a factor resulting in the downfall of the Mughals. 

In modern India, history began after the death of Aurangzeb and the downfall of the Mughals. After the end of the Mughal rule, the Indian subcontinent saw many significant changes, including the rising of autonomous states and powers. 

India was divided into several states, including Hyderabad, Carnatic, Bengal, and Awadh. The kingdom of Mysore, Kerala, and Rajput also became Independent powers. 

The Advent of Europeans and British Expansion In India

In the early 1700s, during the reign of Aurangzeb, many European traders visited India for trade and business. When the Europeans saw better opportunities in India, they tried to establish colonies to capture the Indian market. 

With the decline of the Mughal empire and the rising of Independent states, there lacked a sense of unity among the Independent rulers. The lack of unity among the states led to continuous revolts and the fall of the Indian subcontinent, and the beginning of British rule in India.

The British rule in India marked the beginning of modern Indian history. It also led to the establishment of the British East India Company in West Bengal in 1757. The British government played the game of divide and rule and captured almost the entire Indian subcontinent. They declared wars against the Independent rulers and captured their territories. 

At last, in 1849, after the annexation of Punjab, the entire India was under the control of the British empire. The emergence and growth of the British empire in India are regarded as the most significant events in modern Indian historiography.

Rules And Policies Implemented By The British Government

Once the British government gained control over the Indian subcontinent, they introduced many significant changes in every possible area of operation, including Politics, Economic, and Social spheres.

In the political field, the British government introduced many changes, including the Regulating act of 1773, the Pitt’s act of 1784, and the Charter act of 1784, 1793, 1813, 1833, 1853, etc. 

The British also introduced many policies for economic reforms. They made changes in the agricultural and industrial fields. The agricultural policies of the British government exploited the farmers. 

The British also brought about many socio-religious reforms that led to the decline of unity among the Indians. They also introduced many other foreign policies that exploited the Indians and led to their downfall.

Revolts Against The British Empire

The changes and policies of the British government exploited the Indians, and it led to the upliftment of revolts and wars against British rule in India. The people became rebellious and declared revolts against the British empire. 

During the early 1850s, many local revolts against the British empire, including the Sanyasi-Fakir rebellion, Khond Uprisings, Bhil Uprisings, Santhal Uprisings, etc. However, the revolt of 1857 is regarded as the most significant revolt declared against the British empire. It is also known as the First War of Independence in Modern Indian History. 

However, as per modern Indian historiography, many revolts were unsuccessful and failed to win over the British empire.

Social Reforms In India

The exploiting policies of the Britishers resulted in many social reforms, including the Muslim reform movement, Hindu reform movement, Parsi reform movement, and Sikh reform movement. 

Most of the reforms aimed at abolishing British rule in India, while others paved the way for the reform of Indian society. These reforms greatly inspired many Indians and led to India’s Independence in 1947. 

The Establishment of Indian Nationalism

The rise of Indian Nationalism is another great event mentioned in modern Indian Historiography. In the 1880s, many political associations started emerging in different parts of India. 

However, the Indian National Congress started in 1885 led to the growth of Indian Nationalism. After the rise of Nationalism, many people oppressed by the British began to demand their rights and equality in society.  

Later in 1918, Mahatma Gandhi emerged as an influential person and led the Non-Cooperation Movement against the British empire. Later, many other political parties came to power and declared revolts against the British empire.

In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi started the Quit India Movement to end British rule in India. Finally, on 15 August 1947, India achieved Independence after many negotiations and peaceful settlement attempts.