Inglorious Empire: What The British Did To India by Shashi Tharoor (Author)

Inglorious Empire: What The British Did To India
Author: Shashi Tharoor

Introduction

Inglorious Empire by Shashi Tharoor provides a powerful critique of British colonial rule in India, challenging the narrative that the British Empire was a benevolent and positive influence. Tharoor argues that British colonialism was exploitative and destructive, stripping India of its wealth, destabilizing its political structures, and leaving behind a legacy of poverty and division. Through meticulous research and compelling arguments, Tharoor dismantles the myth of the "civilizing mission" and exposes how British policies deliberately weakened India’s economy and social fabric. The book provides a detailed account of the economic drain, cultural suppression, and social divisions inflicted upon India during nearly two centuries of British rule.

Key Points

1. Economic Exploitation

   • Tharoor explains how the British systematically drained India’s wealth through high taxes, forced deindustrialization, and the manipulation of trade policies, leaving India impoverished and economically stagnant.

2. Destruction of Indian Industry

   • Traditional industries like textiles and shipbuilding were deliberately destroyed by British policies to eliminate competition and make India dependent on British imports.

3. Political Fragmentation

   • The British followed a "divide and rule" strategy, fostering religious and caste-based divisions to weaken Indian unity and maintain colonial control.

4. Infrastructure for Exploitation

   • While the British built railways, telegraphs, and ports, Tharoor argues that these were designed primarily to extract resources and facilitate British military control rather than to benefit the Indian population.

5. Famine and Human Cost

   • British economic and agricultural policies led to several catastrophic famines, resulting in millions of deaths, with the British government showing indifference or even hostility toward relief efforts.

Why Read This Book

Inglorious Empire offers a sharp and well-researched rebuttal to the argument that British colonialism "modernized" India. Tharoor’s work helps readers understand the long-lasting impact of colonial exploitation on India’s economy, politics, and society, providing a necessary perspective on colonial history.

Conclusion

Shashi Tharoor's Inglorious Empire is a powerful account of the true cost of British colonial rule in India. It challenges historical myths, exposes the damage inflicted by colonial policies, and underscores the resilience of India despite centuries of exploitation. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the historical and contemporary consequences of colonialism.