British Hindusthanno Arthik Itihas Part 01

This document is the first part of "British Hindusthan's Economic History" (બ્રિટિશ હિન્દુસ્તાનનો આર્થિક ઈતિહાસ), written by Uttamlal K. Trivedi and published by Gujarat Vernacular Society in 1909. It covers the period from 1757 to 1867.

The book is a translation and adaptation of Ramesh Chandra Dutt's "The Economic History of India" and "India in the Victorian Age." The author, Uttamlal K. Trivedi, a B.A., LL.B. advocate from Mumbai High Court, aimed to provide a comprehensive account of India's economic history under British rule in Gujarati.

Key points and structure of the book:

• Author's Purpose: To present a factual economic history of British India, acknowledging the lack of extensive resources on this subject in the Gujarati language and aiming to convey the importance of the original English works.
• Time Period: Volume 1 covers the period from 1757 to 1867.
• Structure: The book is divided into chapters, with the first chapter, "The Rise of the Empire" (સામ્રાજ્યના ઉદય), providing a detailed historical overview of British influence and expansion in India from 1757 to 1837.
  • Chapter 1 Breakdown:
    • The First Era (Clive and Warren Hastings, until 1785): This section details the establishment of the East India Company, its early settlements, the conflicts with the French (Carnatic Wars), Clive's victories (Plassey), the administrative challenges in Bengal after Clive, the introduction of the Regulating Act, Warren Hastings' governorship, the Maratha and Mysore wars, and the consequences of Hastings' actions, culminating in Pitt's India Act.
    • The Second Era (Cornwallis, Wellesley, and Lord Hastings, 1785 to 1817): This covers the implementation of administrative reforms, the permanent settlement in Bengal, the expansion of British power through alliances and wars with Mysore and the Marathas, and the establishment of British paramountcy.
    • The Third Era (Elphinstone and Bentinck, 1817 to 1836): This era is characterized by peace, economy, and reforms, including judicial and administrative changes, the introduction of Western education, and a focus on improving the condition of the people and integrating Indians into the administration.
  • Subsequent Chapters: The table of contents indicates further chapters on:
    • The situation in Bengal (અગાળાની હકીકત)
    • Madras (મદ્રાસ)
    • Village systems or peasant farmers (ગ્રામસ સ્થાએ કે વ્યસ્ત ખેડુતા)
    • Northern Hindustan (ઉત્તર હિ'દુસ્તાન)
    • The decline of industry (ઉદ્યાગની પડતી)
    • State administration (રાજ્યવ્યવસ્થા)
    • Revenue and economic drain (નાણાં પ્રકરણ અને આર્થિક અપવાહ)
    • The accession of Queen Victoria (મહારાણી વિકટોરિયાનું રાજ્યારોહણ)
• Key Themes: The book focuses on the economic impact of British rule, including:
  • The expansion of British territory and its administrative policies.
  • The impact of British policies on Indian industries and agriculture.
  • The system of revenue collection and its impact on the peasantry.
  • The "economic drain" of wealth from India to Britain.
  • The transformation of the Indian economy from indigenous systems to those serving British interests.
  • The attempts at reform and their eventual outcomes.

Content Analysis of the Provided Pages:

The provided pages (1-46, and then jumping to page 12 onwards) cover the initial chapters of the book, focusing heavily on the early stages of British rule and its economic consequences.

• Early Chapters (Ch. 1): These sections delve into the British conquest and establishment of power in India, starting from the mid-18th century. It describes the political and military events that led to British dominance, highlighting the decline of French influence, Clive's role in Bengal, and the subsequent administrative and military reforms or lack thereof. The text details the economic exploitation that began early on, with the East India Company's servants engaging in private trade and leveraging their position to their advantage, often at the expense of the Nawab and the local population. The corruption and mismanagement within the Company's administration are also discussed.
• Focus on Economic Impact: The author emphasizes how British policies, such as the imposition of heavy land revenue, the disruption of local industries, and the systematic drain of wealth, negatively impacted the Indian economy and the lives of its people.
• Specific Examples: The text provides details about the events in Bengal, highlighting the exploitation of weavers and the oppressive revenue collection methods. It also touches upon the situation in Madras and the impact of wars and treaties on the local economy. The descriptions of events like the "Black Hole of Calcutta" and the battles of Plassey and Wandiwash are framed within their economic and political consequences.
• Critique of British Policies: The author, drawing from Dutt's work, is critical of the British economic policies, pointing out the detrimental effects on Indian industries, the impoverishment of the peasantry, and the systematic transfer of wealth to Britain.

In essence, this first volume lays the groundwork for understanding the economic subjugation of India under British rule, tracing the political and administrative changes that facilitated this economic exploitation.