Glimpses of the past summary
The chapter begins with events that were taking place in the year 1757. At this time, the British were in a strong position in India. They also had better weapons and ammunition and financial resources. On the other hand, the Indian state and princes had short-sightedness and were busy fighting each other. They lacked unity. He often sought British help as well and the East India Company took full advantage of it. The British followed the policy of 'divide and rule' and subdue the princes as well. Some favored the British while some did not. However, Tipu Sultan of Mysore fought the British. But unfortunately, he died in 1799 while fighting the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
The chapter describes the social fabric from 1765 to 1836. Inauspicious social practices such as untouchability, child marriage, sati practice etc. were promoted by religious social leaders. The British despised Indians and in the process, Indians also lost their pride. The British imposed heavy taxes on the peasants. He also cut the thumbs of expert craftsmen. However, imports from England were tax free. Thus, the main objective of the British was the maximization of profit and wealth at any cost.
From 1772 to 1833, Raja Ram Mohan Roy began his efforts to reform Indian society. He established the Brahmo Samaj for this purpose. He propagated the idea that the main teachings and principles of all religions are the same. Also, he started newspapers in India. He was against evil practices like sati, polygamy, child marriage and caste system. He played a major role in the abolition of Sati system.
In 1818, the British passed the Third Regulation Act. According to this, an Indian can be sent to jail without any trial. This was a phase of persecution of Indians. By 1829, British exports were valued at seven crore rupees. When Indian industries were going to waste, the British were prosperous.
It seems that this was not enough, so the British now aimed to prepare clerks to run the administration. Thus, in 1835, Lord Macaulay recommended that the medium of instruction should be English. This education policy also generated some intellectuals who understood the evils of the British Raj and educated fellow Indians.
By 1856, India had become a fully controlled British colony. Repression was at its peak and thus gave rise to rebellion. In 1855, the Santhals revolted and killed the British as well as their servants. In 1857, the first Sepoy Mutiny began with the assassination of Mangal Pandey. The soldiers marched towards Delhi shouting slogans in favor of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Zamindars also joined this movement. People circulated the chapatis with the message that their original ruler needed his help. Similarly, a lotus flower was distributed among the Indian soldiers.
Many rulers like Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow, Maulvi Ahmadullah of Faizabad, Tatya Tope and Peshwa Nana Saheb of Maratha Empire and Kunwar Singh of Bihar also joined the rebellion. This was the beginning of the Indian freedom struggle.
This chapter teaches us that 'United We Stand, Divided We Fall'. It also teaches us that to be successful in everything we do, we need to get organized.
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