On Humans
What About India? Part I: Mughals, British, and the Causes of Poverty ~ Bishnupriya Gupta
Feb 14, 2025
Bishnupriya Gupta, a renowned economics professor at the University of Warwick and author of 'An Economic History of India,' dives into the origins of modern India. She discusses the stark differences in living standards between India and England in 1600, highlighting the detrimental impacts of British colonial policies on the Indian economy. Gupta examines the Great Famines of Bengal, revealing British negligence, and critiques both imperial apologists and Indian nationalists. She also connects Mahatma Gandhi's education to India's lag behind East Asia in the 20th century.
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Quick takeaways
- The decline in India's economic standing from 30% of global GDP in 1600 to 2% at independence reflects the impact of British colonial rule.
- British policies, particularly tariffs and neglect in investment, led to the de-industrialization of India's textile industry and widespread poverty.
Deep dives
The Decline of India's Economic Position
From the early 1600s to the late 20th century, India witnessed a significant decline in its global economic standing. Initially accounting for approximately 25 to 30 percent of the world's GDP, India's share plummeted to around 2 percent by the time of independence in 1947. This shift highlights not only relative economic deterioration but also the dire living conditions faced by ordinary Indians during that period. Scholars such as Neil Ferguson argue that British policies, like the introduction of railways and free trade, less effectively enhanced Indian living standards compared to those in Britain and Japan, prompting debates among historians about the consequences of colonial rule on India's economy.
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