Page 2 - Lessonnote_Structural Change

• However any strict separation of the two is difficult. The structural

changes are difficult to discuss without some mention of the cultural
changes too.

UNDERSTANDING COLONIALISM

• Colonialism simply means the establishment of rule by one country
over another. In the modern period western colonialism has had the

greatest impact.

• India’s past has been marked by the entry of numerous groups of
people at different times who have established their rule over different
parts of what constitutes modern India today.

• The impact of colonial rule is distinguishable from all other earlier rules
because the changes it brought in were far-reaching and deep.

• History is full of examples of the annexation of foreign territory and the
domination of weaker by stronger powers. Nevertheless, there is a vital
difference between the empire building of pre-capitalist times and that
of capitalist times.

• Apart from outright pillage, the pre-capitalist conquerors benefited
from their domination by exacting a continuous flow of tribute.

• On the whole they did not interfere with the economic base. They
simply took the tribute that was skimmed off the economic surplus that

was produced traditionally in the subjugated areas.

• In contrast British colonialism which was based on a capitalist system
directly interfered to ensure greatest profit and benefit to British
capitalism.

• Every policy was geared towards the strengthening and expansion of
British capitalism. For instance it changed the very laws of the land.

• It changed not just land ownership laws but decided even what crops

ought to be grown and what ought not to be.

• It meddled with the manufacturing sector. It altered the way
production and distribution of goods took place. It entered into the
forests. It cleared trees and started tea plantations. It brought in Forest
Acts that changed the lives of pastoralists. They were prevented from
entering many forests that had earlier provided valuable forage for