Introduction: Colonial India

Following World War II, India was finally able to leave the days of colonial rule behind them, and establish a foundation for self-rule. This liberation from British rule was long over-due for the Indian people after struggling many years for their freedom. India had long been suppressed by the British Crown. Ever since the 1700s when the British East India Company was established, India was forced to abide by another countries policies. Independence had always seemed far from reach. The famous Indian Revolt of 1857 was a sign of rising discontent over oppressive foreign rule, and led to the final collapse of company rule in India. The downfall of the British East India Company in the 19th century brought India under direct ruling of the British Crown. The formation of a sovereign government known as the “Raj” in India marked the true beginning of Indian dissatisfaction and longing for independence. Throughout the years following the establishment of the “Raj”, Indian rebel groups and acts of disapprobation constantly opposed the British. It was not until the rise of an outstanding leader, named Mohandas Gandhi, that global attention was directed to the “free India” cause. Through use of his revolutionary tactics of nonviolent protests, Gandhi, along with his associate Jawaharlal Nehru, would bring independence to their nation. But it would not come without a price, such as loss of territory to a new rival nation, and extreme religious intolerance that would lead to violence and terrorism in the years to come. A new country was born that would be home to great influential leaders, and to one of the most rapidly growing economies today. The decolonization of India would set the tone for other nations struggling under colonial rule, beginning the pattern of the granting of independence in recent modern history to colonies around the world.