Abad Hindusthan - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive critique of British rule in India, presented as a summary and analysis of a book titled "Abad Hindusthan" (Prosperous Hindustan) by Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel, published by Navjivan Prakashan Mandir in Ahmedabad. The text, likely an excerpt or an introduction to a Gujarati translation, strongly argues that British rule has led to the impoverishment and exploitation of India, despite claims of progress and good governance.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented in the text:

Core Argument: Exploitation, Not Prosperity, Under British Rule

The central thesis is that British rule in India is not for the benefit of the Indian people, but rather a systematic exploitation of India's resources for the enrichment of Britain. The author challenges the widely propagated narrative of British benevolence and progress in India.

Critique of British Propaganda and Officials:

Challenging "Ram Rajya" of the British: The text directly confronts the positive portrayal of British rule in the 19th century, which was promoted through schools, literature, and legal systems.
Deconstructing British Claims: It systematically refutes statements made by prominent British figures like J.S. Mill and Sir John Strachey, who praised the British administration and the low tax burden on Indians.
Exposing the "Conscious Deception": The author questions whether British officials are ignorant of India's true condition or if they deliberately spread falsehoods to deceive their own countrymen and the world.
Critique of "India" Publication: The annual government publication "India" is dismissed as propaganda that praises British achievements and portrays a falsely prosperous India.

Economic Exploitation and Drain of Wealth:

"Looting" of India: The primary mechanism of British rule is described as the systematic looting of India's wealth. This is traced back to the Battle of Plassey, marking the beginning of overt exploitation.
Quantifying the Drain: The text attempts to quantify the "drain of wealth" from India, citing figures of annual revenue sent to England, profits of foreign companies, interest on foreign capital, and salaries of foreign officials. Montgomery Martin's calculations suggesting billions of rupees drained annually are highlighted.
Unequal Trade and Tariffs: British policies are accused of actively destroying Indian industries (like the textile industry) through discriminatory tariffs and promoting British manufactured goods in India. Examples of high tariffs on Indian goods entering Britain versus duty-free entry for British goods in India are provided.
Exploitation of Resources: Specific examples include the control of tea plantations, coffee estates, jute, and other raw materials by foreign entities, with the profits flowing out of India.
Railways as a Tool of Exploitation: While acknowledging the convenience of railways in distributing goods, the text points out that they primarily facilitate the movement of raw materials out of India and manufactured goods into India, further benefiting British trade. The argument that railways alleviate famine is countered by the fact that Indians cannot afford the imported grain due to poverty.

Destruction of Indian Industries and Self-Sufficiency:

Decline of Traditional Crafts: The text laments the destruction of India's vibrant indigenous industries, such as shipbuilding, textiles, and craftsmanship, which were once globally renowned.
Suppression of Indian Enterprise: British policy is depicted as deliberately crushing Indian industries to create markets for British goods and to prevent India from becoming an industrial power. The example of the decline of Indian shipbuilding is detailed.
Shifting from Producer to Consumer: India's transition from a producer of finished goods to a supplier of raw materials and a consumer of foreign manufactured goods is highlighted as a direct consequence of British policy.

Agricultural Distress and Famines:

The Role of Land Revenue: The burdensome land revenue system is identified as a major cause of agricultural distress. The text criticizes the British for extracting high revenue even in times of hardship, contributing to farmers' indebtedness.
Famines as a Result of British Policy: The alarming increase in the frequency and severity of famines from the British era onwards is presented as direct evidence of the negative impact of British rule. The text cites statistics showing millions of deaths from famines during British rule compared to pre-British times.
"Hidden Hunger" Replaces Overt Famine: The narrative suggests that while overt famines might be mitigated by railways, a pervasive "hidden hunger" affects millions due to poverty and lack of purchasing power.

Social and Moral Impact of British Rule:

Moral Decay and Loss of Self-Respect: The author suggests that British rule has eroded Indian moral character, self-respect, and aspirations, creating a dependent and subservient population.
Erosion of Indian Institutions: The undermining of traditional Indian economic and social structures, such as moneylenders and internal trade mechanisms, is discussed as detrimental to the Indian economy.
Discouragement of Indian Talent: A significant criticism is the deliberate exclusion of Indians from positions of power and responsibility in administration, military, and other sectors, thereby stifling their potential.

Critique of Government Statistics and Claims:

"Government" Data is Fabricated: The text strongly asserts that government statistics regarding income, productivity, and population welfare are deliberately manipulated and untrustworthy, designed to conceal the reality of poverty and suffering.
"Well-fed" vs. "Starving" India: The stark contrast between the glamorous portrayal of Indian cities like Bombay and Calcutta (as seen by foreign visitors) and the reality of widespread poverty in rural areas is emphasized.
Personal Testimonies vs. Government Reports: The author relies on the findings of various commissions and the testimonies of British officials themselves (like Mr. Thurburn) to support claims of Indian distress, contrasting them with the often sanitized "conclusions" presented by the government.

The "True Masters" of India's Wealth:

Foreign Ownership of Key Assets: The document argues that while land ownership might appear to be with Indians, key productive assets like tea and coffee plantations, jute fields, forests, mines, and major industries are largely controlled by foreigners.
Debt and Mortgage as Forms of Control: Even the land that appears to be Indian-owned is often mortgaged to foreign creditors, effectively giving foreigners control and allowing them to dictate terms.
Banking and Finance System Favoring Foreigners: The establishment of modern banks and financial institutions is seen as a mechanism for siphoning Indian capital to cities and to England, further disadvantaging rural economies.

The Viceroy's Testimony and Contradictions:

Viceroy's Claims of Increased Prosperity: The text quotes Viceroy Lord Curzon's statements about increased per capita income and prosperity.
Counter-Analysis of Viceroy's Data: The author then meticulously dissects Curzon's own figures and other government data to demonstrate that the claims of increased income are either based on manipulated statistics or misinterpretations that hide the reality of declining per capita income for the majority. The manipulation of land and production figures is specifically pointed out.

Conclusion and Call to Action (Implicit):

The text, while summarizing arguments against British rule, implicitly calls for awareness and action. It aims to expose the "bitter truth" of British exploitation and the manufactured prosperity of "Abad Hindusthan." The author concludes by urging readers to observe the reality around them, consider the causes of the people's suffering, and perhaps contemplate solutions.

In essence, "Abad Hindusthan" is presented as a powerful indictment of British economic policies, their impact on Indian society, and a refutation of official narratives, aiming to awaken the Indian populace to the true nature of their subjugation.