Question
In what ways has colonialism brought about a social, economic and political influence on Indian society to promote urbanization.
Solution
(i) Social influence: The process of colonialism brought immense changes in our society. The western education has impacted our social structure to a great extent. It also changed the whole spectrum in day-to-day life particulary in the urban society. Our eating, drinking and other habits are influenced by the western way of living e.g. many schools uniforms neck-ties. During the colonial period there was further decline of cities such as surat and masulipatnam. On the other, Mumbai and Chennai developed. Rural crafts and traditional goods were on the decline. New social groups came into existence. Labourers were sent to the tea plantations and other colonial regions.
(ii) Economic influence: Production of traditional Silk and Cotton of Dhaka and Murshidabad was badly affected. Cotton and Silk exports declined in the face of Manchester competition. Virtually, British industrialization led to deindustrialization in many sectors. Due to installation of mechanised factor industries, a few towns became much more heavily populated.
(iii) Political influence: Our parliamentary, legal system, police, administrative and educational system is built and developed very much on the British model. The western education gave birth to nationalism. It proved an important part of the rise of democratic ideas.
(ii) Economic influence: Production of traditional Silk and Cotton of Dhaka and Murshidabad was badly affected. Cotton and Silk exports declined in the face of Manchester competition. Virtually, British industrialization led to deindustrialization in many sectors. Due to installation of mechanised factor industries, a few towns became much more heavily populated.
(iii) Political influence: Our parliamentary, legal system, police, administrative and educational system is built and developed very much on the British model. The western education gave birth to nationalism. It proved an important part of the rise of democratic ideas.
