What roles did the British military establishment play in India’s economic exploitation?
The British military reforms had a profound impact on Indian soldiers loyalty and morale. The introduction of Western military practices and the expansion of the Indian Army led to increased interaction between Indian soldiers and British officers resulting in a mix of loyalty and dissent. Many IndiRead more
The British military reforms had a profound impact on Indian soldiers loyalty and morale. The introduction of Western military practices and the expansion of the Indian Army led to increased interaction between Indian soldiers and British officers resulting in a mix of loyalty and dissent.
- Many Indian soldiers remained loyal to the British motivated by factors such as honor, prestige and loyalty to their regiments. The Indian Army’s performance in World War I particularly on the Western Front was marked by bravery and sacrifice earning them recognition and respect .
- The experience of fighting in a foreign war coupled with exposure to new ideas and influences contributed to growing dissent among Indian soldiers. Some began to question the purpose of fighting for the British Empire and the legitimacy of British rule in India.
- The formation of the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II, led by Subhas Chandra Bose further eroded loyalty to the British. The INA’s goal of securing Indian independence resonated with many Indian soldiers who saw it as an opportunity to fight for their country’s freedom .
In conclusion, the British military reforms had a complex impact on Indian soldiers’ loyalty and morale. While some remained loyal, others began to question their role in the British Empire and eventually turned to the INA’s cause. The legacy of this period continues to shape India’s military history and national identity.
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The British military infrastructure in India included roads, railways, cantonments and forts facilitating colonial control, troop movement and economic exploitation while transforming India's physical landscape.The British military infrastructure in India contributed to economic exploitation in seveRead more
The British military infrastructure in India included roads, railways, cantonments and forts facilitating colonial control, troop movement and economic exploitation while transforming India’s physical landscape.The British military infrastructure in India contributed to economic exploitation in several ways –
The British military infrastructure’s contribution to economic exploitation in India has been widely criticized for perpetuating colonialism and underdevelopment. Its legacy continues to impact India’s economic and social landscape with ongoing debates about reparations and decolonization. Critics argue it entrenched inequality.
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