How did the British colonise India?

British Empire — Opposition to British Rule in India

In this course, we investigate the evolution of Indian nationalism from various perspectives, focusing on: (i) the historical context and emergence of anti-colonial nationalism, including British colonisation, early governance, socio-religious associations, and the Indian National Congress; (ii) the rise of ethnoreligious nationalism, examining British efforts to categorise Indians by race and religion, and the impact on Hindu and Muslim identities; (iii) Mohandas Gandhi’s role and philosophy of non-violence, his leadership in major movements, and his influence on Indian nationalism; (iv) the role of violent resistance, including revolutionary terrorism and the efforts of figures like Subhash Chandra Bose; (v) the intersection of nationalism with caste and gender issues, exploring anti-caste movements led by B. R. Ambedkar and gender reforms within the nationalist framework; (vi) the global dimensions of Indian nationalism, focusing on the influence of communism, the role of international figures, and the impact of global events on the Indian nationalist movement.

How did the British colonise India?

In this module, we explore the historical context and emergence of anticolonial nationalism in India from the 18th century to the early 20th century, focusing on: (i) the conquest and colonisation of India, initiated by the East India Company and its impact on Indian society; (ii) the early phases of British rule, including cultural assimilation and the shift following the 1857 revolt, which led to direct British governance; (iii) the rise of socio-religious associations and the development of Indian identity as a response to colonial disruptions; (iv) the emergence of the Indian National Congress in 1885, its moderate phase, and the influence of English-educated Indian elites; (v) the challenges faced by Indian nationalists, including the complexities of colonial hierarchies and the gradual process of organising against British rule.