Join us for a discussion about the British Raj and Colonialism in India with a panel of writers who wish to rebalance the narrative.

Time: 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Venue: UoB - The Exchange 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2D

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Free

Join us for an interesting and thought-provoking panel discussion with writers Swetam Gungah, Dr Sarah Hussain and Shalina Patel about the British Raj and colonialism in India, who wish to rebalance the narrative.

The British Raj, spanning from 1858 to 1947, was a period of direct British colonial rule over India, marked by profound political, economic, and cultural transformations. Colonialism in India began earlier, with the East India Company establishing control in the 18th century, but after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British Crown assumed direct control. The impact of British rule on India was both far-reaching and complex, generating negative consequences in terms of exploitation and repression, as well as laying some foundations for modern institutions. The introduction of Western legal systems, infrastructure like railways, and the English language left a lasting legacy, though these developments often served the colonial power's interests rather than the welfare of Indian society.

Economically, the British Raj led to the deindustrialisation of India's traditional manufacturing sectors, particularly textiles. India, once a leading producer of cotton and textiles, became a supplier of raw materials for British industries and a market for finished British goods. This economic exploitation led to widespread poverty and famine. Famines, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943, are poignant reminders of how colonial policies prioritised British economic interests over Indian lives. The introduction of cash crops like indigo and tea also disrupted local agricultural systems, making India’s economy dependent on British whims and leading to ecological imbalances and food shortages.

However, British rule also brought about some modernization in terms of infrastructure and administration. The extensive railway network, built largely to transport raw materials, helped connect different regions of India and laid the groundwork for modern transportation. The establishment of English-language education, though initially intended to create a class of Indians loyal to the British, indirectly contributed to the rise of a Western-educated elite. This elite class, which included leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and B. R. Ambedkar, would later spearhead the Indian independence movement. Legal and administrative systems introduced by the British, including the Indian Civil Service, still serve as models for governance in modern India.

The British Raj has been written about extensively by historians, novelists, and political thinkers, and interpretations of its legacy vary widely. Nationalist historians have often focused on the exploitative and oppressive aspects of British rule, emphasizing the resistance movements, from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 to Gandhi's non-violent campaigns. Writers like Rabindranath Tagore and postcolonial scholars like Gayatri Spivak have explored the cultural alienation and psychological effects of colonialism. In contrast, some British historians have highlighted the “civilizing mission” or the administrative reforms introduced during the Raj, though these views have increasingly come under criticism as romanticized or self-serving.

Key events during the British Raj include the 1857 Revolt, a major but ultimately unsuccessful uprising against British rule, which led to the formal establishment of the Raj. The Amritsar Massacre of 1919, in which British troops killed hundreds of peaceful protestors, became a turning point that galvanized the independence movement. Gandhi's Salt March in 1930 and the Quit India Movement of 1942 were other critical moments in the struggle for independence. Ultimately, the mounting pressure from both Indian resistance and global shifts after World War II led to India's independence in 1947, though the partition of India and Pakistan resulted in tragic violence and mass displacement. The legacy of the British Raj continues to shape modern India’s economic, political, and social fabric.

Our Panel

Swetam Gungah

The Altruist is Swetam Gungah’s first book on indentureship and it is an homage to the life and extraordinary achievements of his ancestor, as well as a commemoration of the centenary of the first ever Hindi book to be published in 1923 in Mauritius. In addition to this work, he is a regular contributor in the field of indentureship and collaborates extensively with academics and historians on this topic. Swetam has over 20 years of experience in financial services and education. He is an advocate of sustainability, working with his local community to help businesses and SMEs transition to a more sustainable business model. As a supporter of scientific literacy and an avid science communicator, he has worked with several schools, institutions, and businesses across the UK to promote STEM subjects.

Dr. Sarah Hussain

Dr Sarah Hussain is a Huddersfield-based author and educator. Her novella, ‘Escaped from Syria’ was a winner and finalist in the People’s Book Prize Award. In 2018 she won the Ms Shakespeare competition in Yorkshire and was commissioned to write a monologue, which was performed on International Women’s day. She was shortlisted in a competition run by The University of Huddersfield, and her short story, ‘You will be free one day, my dearest India’, is included in the anthology ‘Trouble’, published by Grist. Furthermore, it was ‘highly commended. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Literature in 2008, a Master of Arts in Creative Writing in 2018, and has recently completed a PhD.

Dr Hussain is the author of the book 'In the Foothills of the Himalayas' in which Vidhya, raised during British rule in India, watches her father fight for independence. After witnessing devastating floods caused by deforestation ordered by an English company, she realises the importance of protecting the forest. When she discovers a dangerous conspiracy, Vidhya bravely leads a group of women in a non-violent protest by embracing the trees, and risking everything in the process.

Shalina Patel

Shalina Patel is a historian, writer and award-winning history teacher. Her achievements include the Silver Pearson Teaching Award (2018) and the GG2 Inspire Award for Work in Education. As well as working on a range of history documentaries for TV, she has appeared on BBC programmes including Teach Me a Lesson and is a regular guest on BBC Radio London. Shalina is a trustee of Chalke Valley History Festival and the creator of the @thehistorycorridor on Instagram, where she explores diverse histories and new historical perspectives.

Shalina’s first book ‘The History Lessons’ was released in May 2024 and was heralded by the Guardian as aiming to ‘show adults their historical blind spots’ by ‘highlighting stories traditionally left out of the textbooks.’

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