Structural Change Class 12 Sociology

Introduction

• The impact of colonial rule in India was far-reaching and touched every aspect of society, including the railways, industries, and postal service, as well as social, cultural, economic, and political spheres.
• Compared to earlier instances of stronger powers occupying weaker nations and annexing their territories, colonial rule, particularly British colonialism, had a unique impact due to its capitalist foundation.
• While pre-capitalist conquerors typically collected tribute without disrupting the existing economic foundation, British colonialism intervened directly to benefit British capitalism. Every policy was geared towards promoting and advancing British capitalism.

Implementing English

• The influence of colonialism on the use of English language in India is intricate, having both beneficial and detrimental effects.
• English is commonly spoken and written in India, leading to a rich collection of English literature and giving Indians an edge in the global marketplace, yet its use often signifies privilege and can hinder job prospects.
• Additionally, English has opened up opportunities for those historically denied formal education, like the Dalits.
• Colonialism also caused significant internal migration within India; for example, individuals from Jharkhand relocated to Assam to work on tea estates.
• A rising middle class, especially from British territories like Bengal and Madras, moved across the country as government workers and professionals, such as doctors and lawyers.
• People were transported from India to work in other colonised regions in places like Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Many perished during transit, and most could not return. Today, many of their descendants are referred to as people of Indian origin.

Understanding Colonialism

• Capitalism is an economic system focusing on privately owned production aimed at making profits.
• The rise of Western capitalism involved extensive European exploration and the exploitation of resources, alongside major advancements in science and technology.
• These advancements were applied in agriculture and business, leading to the emergence of Western capitalism, which was closely linked to Western colonialism that sought maximum profit from colonised areas.
• This history significantly influenced how capitalism developed in colonised regions like India.
• As capitalism became the main economic system, nation-states emerged as the primary political entities. Nationalism meant that people from India or any colonised society had the right to self-rule.
• Indian nationalist leaders recognised the irony regarding sovereignty, striving for both political and economic freedom, insisting that swaraj, or freedom, was their rightful heritage.
• The effects of colonial rule were extensive and profound, impacting many aspects of life in colonised regions.
• Areas influenced by British colonialism include Patna, Gaya, Arrah, Saran, Tirhoot, Champaran, Munger (Monghyr), Bhagalpur, and Purnea.

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Urbanisation and Industrialisation

The Colonial Experience

• When we talk about industrialization, it means the growth of machine production using energy sources like steam and electricity.
• In modern industrial societies, most people work in factories, offices, or shops instead of in agriculture.
• Britain was the first industrialised nation and changed from being mostly rural to mainly urban during the Colonial Era.
• The effects of British industrialisation in India led to some industries and historic urban areas declining.
• Coastal cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai played a crucial role in the economies of empires, making it easy to export raw materials and import manufactured goods.
• The large influx of cheap European goods and the establishment of many Western-style factories in India significantly harmed many village industries.
• Bombay and Madras grew, while cities like Surat and Masulipatnam saw decline. This change was especially clear in more developed regions.
• The rise of industrialisation caused many to move to cities; initially, in India, this British industrialisation led to an increase in agricultural workers.
• This resulted in older urban centres fading away, while new colonial cities like Kolkata emerged.
• Indian sociological studies often highlight the contradictory and unintended effects of colonialism, comparing Western industrialisation and its middle class to the Indian experience.

 The Tea Plantations

• The colonial authorities were explicit about their use of harsh measures against laborers to benefit the planters, and they were aware that the laws in colonized nations did not have the same democratic standards as those at home.
• India's tea industry started in Assam in 1851, where most tea gardens were found. Due to the area's low population and the common placement of plantations on empty hills, many workers had to be brought in from other regions. For years, contractors mostly handled the recruitment of workers for the tea gardens in Assam under the Transport of Native Labourers Act (No. III) of 1863, which was updated in 1865, 1870, and 1873.

• The Assamese tea planters refused to provide the necessary financial and other incentives to entice workers to leave their remote homes and come to unfamiliar lands with adverse climates and unfamiliar diseases. Instead, they resorted to fraud and coercion, persuading the government to pass laws that aided them in this immoral endeavor.

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Industrialisation in Independent India

• Indian nationalists were worried about economic exploitation during colonial times. They compared the rich history of precolonial India with the poverty of British India. The Swadeshi movement encouraged support for the national economy, leading to the belief that poverty could be prevented.
• Nationalists viewed rapid industrialisation as essential for both growth and social fairness. The rise of heavy and machine-making industries, expansion of the public sector, and a strong cooperative sector were seen as crucial.
• The large import of cheap European goods and utensils, along with many Western-style factories in India, harmed many village industries. This decline of traditional village life varied widely across regions.
• Sociological studies in India often explored the mixed and unexpected effects of colonialism, particularly how industrialisation affected social structures and relations

Urbanisation in Independent India

Reasons for Urban Migration

• Many individuals relocate from rural regions to cities seeking better employment opportunities, improved living conditions, and a chance for anonymity.
• The need for social elements like anonymity and the ability to select a career can strongly encourage this movement.

Economic and Social Tensions

• Economic reasons are vital, with enhanced job prospects and a superior quality of life driving urban migration.
• Nevertheless, issues may arise between newcomers and locals, as residents might feel burdened by the need to provide housing and jobs, resulting in tension and conflicts.

Urban Population Growth

The population in urban areas is growing faster than in rural areas for the first time since Independence, due to a significant decrease in rural growth rates, while urban growth remains stable. This is evident in the Census of India Report.

Impact of Urban Influences

Sociologist M.S.A. Rao observed that during the first two decades after independence, many villages in India began to feel the effects of urbanisation. He noted that the early influence of British industrialisation prompted more individuals to move into agriculture.

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Conclusion

• It is clear that colonialism is not merely a historical topic but continues to influence our lives in various complex ways today.
• The discussion shows that industrialisation and urbanisation bring about changes not only in production methods and technology but also in our overall way of living.
• Colonialism has introduced numerous changes across all areas, including legal, cultural, and architectural aspects, which have profoundly affected our modern society.