The British rulers obviously took away a lot from the Indian economy, culture and people. In a way they looted the nation. But as they say, with everything bad comes something good as well. We can’t even compare the things they took away and gave us. But one should never forget the good things that happen to them no matter who did it.
So much so that their influence can still be seen in our day to day lives. Here is a brief account of what they passed on to us as a free nation.
For an average Indian, or we are raised that way, the two days that bring out our patriotic spirits are 15th August and 26th January – the Independence day and Republic Day. And yes, there is one more patriotic times for us. When there is a cricket match between India and Pakistan.
2. Indian Railways
The means of transportation in India, was bullock carts and other pack animals, before the coming of the British. The British, for their benefits of transportation of Raw materials from their place of origin to the ports, to transport their imported good to be marketed in India, to move their men and materials, they established a wide network or roadways and railways. The development of an efficient Railway and Transportation system, helped not only the British government. But also the Indians, who started to move from places to places and in turn helped bring unity among different parts of the country.
3. Army
The army that we are so proud of currently was formed in the British era. A lot of the army practices and etiquettes still persist.
4. Vaccination
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Smallpox spread as an epidemic in India, and due to lack of sanitary knowledge among the Indians, the British knew the situation could escalate quickly.
5.Social Reforms
They banned sati, untouchability, and child marriage, also encouraged widow’s re-marriage. Can’t even remotely imagine how it would be if these practices still excited.
6. Indian Census
British started census in 1871, the census is taken once in 10 years to collect the statistical data of age, gender, religion, caste, occupation, education of the population. As of 2011, the decennial Census of India has been conducted 15 times.
7. Surveying India
In 1851 they set up the department of Geographical Survey of India, the institution surveyed villages, cities, and made maps of India. Using many advanced surveying instruments, the British surveyed every inch of the India and created maps. Many places use the same maps which were made during the British time.
