British Rule in India

by Sunderlal

A freedom fighter’s telling account of the exploitation of India by the East India Company. In 1929, Pandit Sunderlal’s original work in four volumes, Bharat Mein Angrezi Raj , was banned by the British because of its fearless criticism of their rule in India. In sharp contrast to narratives by British historians, who stressed that India was in a state of arrested development before the British arrived, Pandit Sunderlal’s books celebrated India’s past. In 1960, the Government of India brought out this history in two How India Lost Her Freedom and British Rule in India . The first volume How India Lost Her Freedom was published by SAGE earlier this year. It details how British traders penetrated the sub-continent and established the foundation of their rule. This second volume British Rule in India covers the period from 1805 (Second Maratha War), a turning point for the East India Company, to 1858, when the East India Company had to cede control to the British Crown. It details how the British acquired territories by sly and dishonourable treaties and how their rule led to extremely large-scale economic exploitation. It painstakingly traces the history of the deliberate destruction of Indian industry and the plundering that went on under the guise of development. Pandit Sunderlal was an eminent Gandhian and freedom fighter. 18th March 1929
First published
1,700 copies sold in 4 days

22nd March 1929
Banned by British Government

13th November 1937
Ban lifted; 2nd edition published
10,000 copies sold

1960
3rd edition published by Publications Division, Government of India, in two volumes

1963
4th edition published

1970 & 1972
The two books published by Popular Prakashan

January 2018
How India Lost Her Freedom published by SAGE

July 2018
British Rule in India hits the stores once again

Now this ISBN-9780856550676 has a new identity.

Genres: History

550 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2018

Reviews

[Anuraag Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read.
So many stories which I wasn't aware of.

[Abhishek Behera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandit Sunderlal's book, "British Rule in India," offers a comprehensive account of India's fight for independence from the time the British arrived until the Revolt of 1857. This review explores key aspects covered in the book, including the documentation of atrocities committed by the East India Company, the dynamics between Indian kingdoms and the Company, the events leading up to the Revolt, and the reasons for its ultimate failure.

Pandit Sunderlal's book is a historical narrative that traces the British presence in India from their initial entry. It provides readers with a detailed account of significant events, developments, and interactions during this crucial period.

One of the book's strengths is its documentation of the atrocities perpetrated by the East India Company upon the Indian populace. The author's thorough research presents numerous accounts, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by Indian subjects. However, it should be noted that the writing style, at times resembling a textbook, may make the reading experience slightly dull for some.

Throughout the book, readers are exposed to the perspectives of both Indian kingdoms and the East India Company. The author explores how different kingdoms interacted with the Company and analyzes their varying viewpoints. This provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in the British colonial enterprise and its impact on local rulers.

The book effectively unravels the events that led up to the Revolt of 1857, a significant moment in India's struggle for independence. It delves into the socio-political climate of the time, highlighting the role of prominent freedom fighters like Mangal Pandey and Jhansi ki Rani Laxmi Bai. Their stories, intertwined with the broader narrative, offer readers a deeper insight into the fervor that propelled the Indian masses to rise against British rule.

Pandit Sunderlal also explores the varied responses of Indian kingdoms to British rule, ranging from active resistance to peaceful negotiation. By examining different regions and their unique circumstances, readers gain an understanding of the challenges faced by the Company in consolidating its power and the factors that contributed to successful opposition.

One recurring theme throughout the book is the concept of "divide and rule." The author effectively highlights how the British employed this strategy to exploit the existing fault lines within Indian society and weaken any unified resistance. This aspect further illuminates the intricate web of British colonial policies and their impact on India's socio-political fabric.

The book delves into the reasons behind the failure of the Revolt of 1857, which was later termed a "Revolt" rather than a "War." Pandit Sunderlal's analysis provides valuable insights into the factors that contributed to the eventual defeat of the Indian forces, such as the superior military strength of the British, lack of coordination among different rebel groups, and other strategic shortcomings.

[Nishant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gives me headache to comprehend the complexity of bhartiya ithihaas. I am not sure it pleases me to see how bhartiya were fooled by foreigners to fight each other.

The advantage they took and the burden that bhartiya carrying today for those atrocities should be unforgivable.

Painful and heart rending is the only word that comes to me when I think about this book.

Book #26 series Indic books

[Raj Makaram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read from an inside view of British rule....filled with well researched facts on the ills of British rule