India flourished under British colonial rule with the development of new services & technology in transport, agriculture, and education.
In attempting to develop India to become more like Britain and imply their same ideals, British officials improved education in India and taught their culture in the attempt to create a British India.
During the regime of British government, communication and transport facility developed. Railroads helped Indians move around the country, while the telegraph and postal system improved communication. Greater contact helped bridge regional differences and develop a sense of national unity.
The British revised the legal system to promote justice for Indians regardless of class or caste. The British also encouraged Indians to grow tea and jute. Today, tea is one of India’s biggest crops.
However, the self interests of the British prompted new problems and suffering for Indian people.
The British came to India as traders, but also had territorial ambitions. They gradually gained control over the whole of India by using various means like direct conquest, annexation and diplomacy.
The economic impact of British rule was most far-reaching. It destroyed the traditional economy of India and drained India’s wealth to Britain. The economic policies of the British also affected the classes of peasants, artisans very adversely.
The exploitative nature of the British with their heavy taxation and high revenue rates led to protest movements by peasants and tribal groups in India.
The British policy of Divide and Rule led to the division of the country on the basis of religion. The relationship between the Hindus and the Muslims suffered with the British pitching native against native to continue their rule.
For more info about the impact of British rule on India, see links below:
www.nios.ac.in
history105.libraries.wsu.edu
cove.k12.or.us