How Did British Control India

Britain’s interest in India began when the British East India Company constructed trading posts in India to fulfil British needs created by the Industrial Revolution. After a rebellion of the Company’s private army in 1757, the Company called for the full British military to provide reinforcements. After that rebellion, India was forcefully taken over by the British government. Britain’s rule of India was extremely effective, making large sums of money for many people, and building new centers and infrastructure for health and learning. However, the British built that government with intent to control India and serve Britain; indeed, that government made money for Britain with no regards to the Indian economy, and mismanaged its new health

Lalvani claims that “The British administration of India… was superbly efficient” and that this administration created a justice system, a “loyal army, and an efficient police force.” But no matter how efficient or effective this government was, about only 6% of this government was Indian, (and only minor roles at that) and few, if any of these officials had any long term concern for the welfare of India (Doc 2). Due to this, most, if not all members of the government were willing to make laws and control forces in such a way that benefited the British, even if it was to the detriment of India. Lalvani also claims that “... India as a nation… was originally put together and created by a small, distant country [Britain].” However, as Gandhi stated; “You English have committed one supreme crime against my people… You, [the British] have given us no responsibility for our own government” (Doc 1). This supreme control by the British gave India no major control over itself, allowing for India to be ruled so that it would always be under the thumb of Britain, and would never have the same status as