A History of British India Season 1 Episode 7 The Age of Reform (1830 - 1850)

In A History of British India season 1 episode 7, titled "The Age of Reform (1830 - 1850)," viewers are taken on a journey through the transformative period of British rule in India. This episode focuses on the significant political and social changes that took place during the 1830s and 1850s, which laid the foundations for modern India.

The episode begins by exploring the infamous Doctrine of Lapse, which was introduced by Governor-General Lord Dalhousie. This rule enabled the British East India Company to annex Indian states if their rulers had no natural heir upon their death. This controversial policy was met with significant resistance and eventually led to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

From there, the episode examines the newly appointed Governor-General, Lord William Bentinck. Bentinck initiated several critical reforms, including the abolition of sati (the practice of a widow immolating herself on her deceased husband's funeral pyre) and the suppression of thuggee (a group of bandits who killed travelers in India). These actions were not only instrumental in curbing inhuman practices but also earned Bentinck the praise of many Indians and marked the beginning of a new era in British-Indian relations.

Furthermore, viewers get to see how Bentinck's actions sparked a wave of reforms in education, public works, and administration. The establishment of English-language schools, introduction of railways, and construction of public buildings laid the infrastructure for modern India. Moreover, the formation of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) paved the way for educated Indians to enter the field of administration and exert a measure of self-rule.

The episode also highlights the contributions of key figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who was a leading advocate for social reforms and women's rights in India. Roy's work in promoting education for women was instrumental in the eventual establishment of the Bethune College for Women in Calcutta, which went on to become a pioneering institution for women's education.

Lastly, the episode takes a closer look at the impact of the Opium Wars on India. Opium had long been a significant export for British India, and the wars ensured it continued to flow into China, causing widespread opium addiction in the country. The British introduced harsh measures to suppress the drug trade, which led to a surge in smuggling and internal strife in India's opium-growing regions.

In summary, "The Age of Reform (1830 - 1850)" is a thought-provoking episode that explores a crucial period in British India's history. It provides an in-depth understanding of the political, social, and economic changes that took place during the development of modern India and how they shaped the nation into what it is today.