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What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?
- a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regions
- b)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistance
- c)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely states
- d)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independence
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose...
The British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule by believing that the country's cultural and religious diversity would prevent a unified resistance. However, despite these differences, Indians came together to fight against colonial rule, demonstrating unity in their struggle for independence.
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What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose...
Underestimating Unity Amidst Diversity
The British colonial rulers often misjudged India's potential for unified opposition to their rule due to the region's immense diversity in cultures, religions, and languages. They believed that this diversity would inherently hinder any cohesive resistance movement. Here’s a detailed exploration of this misjudgment:
Perception of Fragmentation
- The British perceived India as a patchwork of various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups, which they thought would prevent a united front against colonial rule.
- They believed that differences among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and numerous regional identities would lead to fragmentation, making it difficult to organize a collective movement for independence.
Historical Context
- Prior to the 20th century, Indian society was often seen as divided. The British capitalized on this notion to maintain control, using “divide and rule” tactics to exploit communal tensions.
- However, significant historical events, such as the Revolt of 1857, demonstrated that disparate groups could unite against a common enemy when provoked.
Emergence of Nationalism
- Contrary to British assumptions, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of nationalist movements, which were often inclusive and sought to bridge communal divides.
- Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi emphasized unity among diverse groups, fostering a sense of Indian identity that transcended regional and religious differences.
Conclusion
- The British underestimation of India's capacity for unified resistance illustrates a fundamental miscalculation. The very diversity they thought would weaken Indian resolve instead became a source of strength that fueled the independence movement. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to the decline of British authority in India.
The British colonial rulers often misjudged India's potential for unified opposition to their rule due to the region's immense diversity in cultures, religions, and languages. They believed that this diversity would inherently hinder any cohesive resistance movement. Here’s a detailed exploration of this misjudgment:
Perception of Fragmentation
- The British perceived India as a patchwork of various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups, which they thought would prevent a united front against colonial rule.
- They believed that differences among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and numerous regional identities would lead to fragmentation, making it difficult to organize a collective movement for independence.
Historical Context
- Prior to the 20th century, Indian society was often seen as divided. The British capitalized on this notion to maintain control, using “divide and rule” tactics to exploit communal tensions.
- However, significant historical events, such as the Revolt of 1857, demonstrated that disparate groups could unite against a common enemy when provoked.
Emergence of Nationalism
- Contrary to British assumptions, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of nationalist movements, which were often inclusive and sought to bridge communal divides.
- Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi emphasized unity among diverse groups, fostering a sense of Indian identity that transcended regional and religious differences.
Conclusion
- The British underestimation of India's capacity for unified resistance illustrates a fundamental miscalculation. The very diversity they thought would weaken Indian resolve instead became a source of strength that fueled the independence movement. This misjudgment ultimately contributed to the decline of British authority in India.
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What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regionsb)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistancec)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely statesd)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independenceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regionsb)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistancec)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely statesd)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independenceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regionsb)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistancec)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely statesd)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independenceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regionsb)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistancec)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely statesd)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independenceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regionsb)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistancec)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely statesd)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independenceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regionsb)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistancec)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely statesd)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independenceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What was one way that the British misjudged India's capacity to oppose colonial rule?a)They underestimated the economic power of Indian regionsb)They believed that the diversity of cultures and religions would prevent unified resistancec)They overestimated the military strength of the Indian princely statesd)They assumed that Indian leaders were disinterested in independenceCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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