250 years ago, the Mughals were becoming weak and the British and Marathas were becoming strong.
The United States of America is completing 250 years of its independence. On this occasion, the Trump administration has scheduled many events across the country. The main events are taking place in Washington DC and Philadelphia. The American Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. While a 16-day colorful event is scheduled to be organized at the National Mall in Washington DC, there are preparations to celebrate independence on a large scale in 50 states across the country. Let us understand with this excuse that what was the condition of India when America became independent? Whose secret was it? How was the economic condition of the country?
When America became independent in the year 1776, the picture was different in India. So to say, Mughal rule was going on in the country. Shah Alam II was on the throne. Their rule lasted from 1759 to 1806, but by then European empires were gradually gaining ground. They had started establishing their roots in different parts. The political, social and economic landscape of India at that time was complex and full of mutual influences.
India was a confluence of many states
At that time, India was not united like it is today. There was no united state. There were many small and big states. There were many major powers in the Mughal Empire, Maratha confederacy, Nizam-e-Hyderabad, Sukhobandi Rajwada, Bengal-Orissa. Every area was ruled by local kings, nawabs and contractors and the common people were living in poverty, starvation and tax pressure.
After the death of Aurangzeb the Mughal Empire became weak.
Mughal rule had become weak
The Mughal Empire was no longer as powerful as before. After the death of Aurangzeb in the year 1707, there was a dispute among his sons regarding power. Therefore gradually the central power started weakening. Within no time, all the power of the emperors had gone into the hands of provincial rich and military chiefs.
When the Mughals were becoming weak, the Maratha power started gaining influence in western and central India. States like Bengal, Awadh and Bangalore had their own governance systems. At that time, local political clashes were common in many parts.
The influence of the British started increasing.
The influence of European traders was increasing
Portuguese, Dutch, French and English trading companies were expanding here. Especially the British East India Company was gradually progressing by building political dominance through its commercial and military policies.
India’s economic condition was not special. Whatever it was, it was scattered. No end was ready to be found anywhere. The picture that emerges when we turn the pages of history was as follows.
- Agricultural Economy: Most of the population was dependent on farming. Small farmers, landlords and zamindari systems were dominant. Crops were grown for local use and markets.
- Cottage and Handicraft Industries: India was the center of cottage industries at that time. There was great demand for weaving, wood, metal and hand-made goods. Banarasi silk, Mughal art and textiles of Bengal were famous. Indian raw materials and handmade goods were popular throughout the world.
- Tax and Zamindari system: The tax burden often fell on the farmers. There were various systems of zamindari and leasehold. In some places, big landowners collected high taxes from farmers and dominated farming methods.
- Trade and development of cities: Some cities were flourishing due to sea and internal trade. Foreign trade was active from the ports of Bengal and Gujarat. Goods were exchanged with China, Africa and Europe.
250 years ago Most of the population was dependent on farming. Photo: Pexels
How was the social and cultural scenario?
- Diverse Societies and Religions: Many religions, languages and castes co-existed in India. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and other communities were present in every area. Social customs varied locally.
- Education and Arts: Educational institutions were run on local and religious basis. Traditional art, music and literature were rich in some cities. Poetry, painting and architecture were encouraged in the courts.
- Daily Life: Life in villages was simple. Family and community structures were strong. Life in the commercial cities was a little more dynamic and colorful.
Military and technical situation
Army and military power: Military forces were often mixed and regional. Cavalry, swordsmen and artillery were used. But European military technology and discipline were gradually proving effective.
- Impact of European Military Technology: British and French companies began introducing modern solid artillery and organized military structures. This affected the local princely states and war strategies started changing.
- Technological progress limited: The early effects of the Industrial Revolution were more pronounced in Europe. Large scale machinery and industrial changes had not yet arrived in India. But traditional skill in cottage industries and handicrafts was high.
Beginning of economic-political change
- Increasing autocracy of the company: The British East India Company moved from trade to governance. Over time the Company established political control over areas through diplomacy, war, and treaties.
- Signs of change in Bengal: Not after Panipat in 1757, but the Battle of Plassey in 1757 and subsequent events increased the power of the East India Company in Bengal. A new form of revenue and administrative control started emerging.
- Move from Empire to Colonial Rule: Gradually the company expanded its power by making agreements with local rulers. This change was going to change the economic and political direction of India in the coming decades.
How was the life of common people?
- Livelihood and Poverty: Life was a struggle for many people. The common people were affected due to floods, famines and wars. But society’s tolerance and local coordination helped in facing the difficulties.
- Social Inequalities: Inequalities based on caste, class and wealth were evident. Economic differences between land owners, traders and artisans were clearly visible.
- Migration and employment: Some people found employment in trading centers or coastal cities. Military appointments also became a source of livelihood.
At the time of America’s independence, India was a multi-dimensional, complex and changing land. Political weaknesses, regional powers and increasing European influence together created the picture of that period. Economically, India was dependent on agriculture and cottage industries, while socially, diversity and cultural richness was evident. These circumstances will change further in the coming years, but this situation 250 years ago was a decisive and important chapter in the history of India.
Also read: Neither recession, nor epidemic, then why was the dollar weak? Know the story amidst the celebration of America’s independence
