British India wasn't all sunshine and roses as Western pop culture might tell you
Disclaimer : This isn't meant to be an attack towards the British people of today. I do not hold them accountable for any of this.
What inspired this sudden post was Bridgerton. Oh yes, Bridgerton. Before I start losing you all I wish to let you know that I am perfectly aware that Bridgerton is not supposed to be historically accurate. It's a romantic and racy period drama set in the high society of the early 19th century Mayfair.
Now, I like Bridgerton, especially the 2nd season with Kathani Sharma and Anthony. Being an Indian myself, the attention to detail that has been put with the customs and traditions including a whole Haldi Ceremony definitely warms my heart. While I do love the way the characters have always spoken about India in such high regards, I must address an issue here which I personally feel is quite important. Bridgerton very evidently ignores every single atrocity that the various high ranking officials and lords of the British Parliament, the whole British Monarchy itself, committed against India during that time. Not once has the hardships of the Indians been mentioned, not even indirectly. Absolutely nothing. "But Junie it's not supposed to be historically accurate!" Yes, I know. But what you don't understand that Britain, in fact the majority (not all) of the White population of Europe and America have seemed to have developed a sort of selective amnesia regarding the colonialization of India. The reality of it is taught nowhere in your history books. All they (maybe you) know is that British did the most kindest thing of introducing us poor, foolish, boring Indians to railways. So I have taken it upon myself (very self-importantly, I know) to draw some much needed attention to the history of 19th century British India.
Here are some links of articles and videos about how the British left the richest nation in the entire world which contributed to about 30% of the world's GDP from the 1st to the 17th century, to one of the poorest third world countries. I would very much implore you to go through at least one of them. And if you have any questions regarding anything on this topic, my asks are always open.
• A glimpse of British policies in 19th Century India
• The horrific Jallianwala Bagh Massacre i, ii
• Battle of Palashi [1757]
• The Great Bengal Famine of 1943 i, ii (videos)
Other Video Links :
• The Unmaking of India
• Indentured Servitude Under the British Empire
• Churchill's Legacy in India
• How Britain stole 45 trillion dollars from India
