ABOUT THE COURSE:This course examines the historical events that aimed to free the Indian subcontinent from British colonial control, particularly from the mid-nineteenth century to 1947. This course will start with a discussion on the emergence of the British Raj in India and the early Indian responses in the form of civil, peasant and tribal resistances and uprisings against colonialism. The major strength of the course is the examination of economic criticisms of British rule, the birth of Indian nationalism, and the active phase of the Indian national movement till independence.After the course, the students will get familiarised with modern India's socio-economic and political history. Students will be exposed to various colonial ideologies and reforms introduced during the British colonial period and the Indian responses. More importantly, the students will also appreciate the significance of resistance and national struggle for freedom.INTENDED AUDIENCE:Undergraduates and Graduates from Humanities and Social Science DepartmentsElective for Undergraduates and Graduates from BTech and MSc courses

Syllabus

Week 1: British Raj in India

Early Colonial Ideologies of Governance
Revenue Reforms and Anglicisation Tendencies
Socio-Legal and Religious Reforms

Week 2:Early Indian Responses and Uprisings

Civil Rebellions and Tribal Uprisings
Peasant Movements and uprisings
First Major Challenge - 1857 Revolt and its Interpretations

Week 3:Economic Criticisms against Colonialism

Naoroji and the Drain Theory
Nationalist Realisation of Issues of Indian Economy- Traditional Handicrafts
Commercialisation of Agriculture, De-industrialisation

Week 4:Early Phase of Indian Nationalism

Early Political Associations and Agitations (Salt Tax, Vernacular Press Act, Illbert Bill)
Birth of First National Organisation – Indian National Congress
Moderate Politics and the Rise of Extremism - Swadeshi Movement

Week 5:Early Separatist Trends and Constitutional Reforms (1905- 1919)