The Social Changes During British Rule

The reign of the British Empire in India influenced many developments in the political, economic and social reformation of Indian society over time. The present study is going to outline the social changes during the British period along with their impact on Indian society. Further, it will discuss the key changes, positive, negative and economic impacts of British rule in India. Additionally, it will discuss the changes in the social norms during the British period in India. 

Social Changes in India during the British Rule 

The cultural and social life of Indians was deeply moved by the interference of the British government in India. First, the social system of India witnessed massive changes and reformation in the course of the British reign. The British government changed the irrationality among the traditional Indian society by revoking the superstitious norms successfully. With the help of Lord Bentinck, social reformers like Raja Rammaham Ray and Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar revoked superstitious social norms like ‘Sati Daha Pratha’ and ‘Child Marriage’ in Indian society. Additionally, Lord Bentinck helped the social reformers to initiate new social norms like ‘Widow Marriage’ in traditional Indian society. 

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Impact of British Rule on the Indian Society 

Introduction to British culture influenced social reformations in Indian society by introducing new ideas like equality, human rights and liberty. It improved the situation of the Indian people by enabling them to think rationally about the circumstances of traditional society. Most importantly, the idea of women’s rights and women’s development was fostered in Indian society. It also influenced the introduction of the English language and culture amid Indian society that oped up opportunities for development for the country. The impact of British rule was beneficial to some extent for the Indian economy as the Charter Act 1813 sanctioned one lakh rupee for the development of science and technology in India. 

What Were the Key Changes in Society Under British Rule? 

Under British rule, India witnessed a few significant changes in different sectors as well as fostered development in the society and culture of the Indian people. Some of the key changes during British rule are listed below. 

• Policies towards language, culture and education  
• Introduction to women’s rights
• Absolution of a rigid caste system 
• Revoke of child marriage, polygamy and sati

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The Positive and Negative Impact of British Rule on Indian Society 

In British India, the introduction of some policies and systems enabled India to attain benefits over time. The railway system was first introduced during British rule that eventually became a positive intervention by the British. Further, western science was introduced during British rule and the English language attained further exposure in the country. The telegraph and post system was also introduced during British rule in India. On the contrary, the British rule had some negative impacts on Indian society starting from the new rules for taxation, demolition and exploitation of Indian raw materials.  

The Economic Impact of British Rule in India 

The economy of India witnessed a major ascending graph while undergoing British rule within the country. Many commercial crops like cotton, opium, indigo, jute, tea, sugarcane, coffee and oilseed were discovered during this period. Later, these materials served the economic purpose of the country. The usage of crops for different commercial purposes was also introduced during British rule eventually enabling the country to attain economic growth at times. The railway system was built during British rule in India that eventually made the country economically superior even in the current scenario of the country. 

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A Discussion on the Changes in the Social Norms and Ideas during the British Rule 

During British rule, the Indian traditional society underwent some serious reformations and changes, especially in terms of social norms. In the nineteenth century, irrational social norms like the caste system, Sati pratha, polygamy, child marriage and female infanticide were changed during the British rule in India. The British government also helped in the development by influencing social norms like widow marriage for the development and empowerment of women in traditional Indian society. 

Conclusion 

British rule in India has had a longstanding impact on society, culture and development of the country to some extent. Most social reformations took place during the British reign where superstitious systems like sati, child marriage, polygamy and infanticide were revoked by the British government. Further, the railway system was introduced during British rule that still has a major impact on the growth of the country. Despite these benefits, British rule demolished and exploited Indian resources and forced the people of the country to witness famine at times.