Inglorious Empire

This is not the first time I've tried to read the book. I think I started it once when I heard Dr. Shashi Tharoor's speech at Oxford about reparations and wanted to read about it, in his own words. But I still have no recollection why I abandoned it then. I guess now was the time.

I think I probably stopped reading this before because it is undoubtedly a grim read. Reading about all the atrocities that were committed on my country's people and how my country was exploited and destroyed for two centuries, while extolling the virtues of their superiority is not easy to digest. Add to it that fact that this is essentially a history book which mainly seeks to answer the question if British colonialism actually did more good things than bad to India, it can feel boring sometimes due to its recitation of facts and references to what the various players thought of during those times, as well as observations by others studying the situation. But Dr. Tharoor brings to such a supposedly dry narrative, his signature wit and command of the language, which makes this an emotional read.

I also listened to the audiobook narrated by him, and that's the perfect format to consume this book because no one can deny that he is an exceptional orator. And he doesn't go the route of modern journalists in US where you are expected to be dispassionate and objective when reporting about anything - he is clearly emotional and indignant when talking about how the British systematically enacted policies to destroy India's existing manufacturing and artisan class, compel the people into landlessness and indentured servitude, fill the coffers of the English corporations with money squeezed from our population, all while using all forms of violence and subjugation to show the people their place. He uses facts and figures to talk about how in every aspect of life and governance like democracy, liberalism, education, infrastructure and in every other measurable index, India is where it is today not because of the British Raj, but inspite of it.

This may feel like an aside but I couldn't help but see the parallels between the British administration's actions during the various famines that ravaged India under their rule and the statements that current GOP leaders in America make when talking about any measures to help the people. The British believed that as a government, it was their duty not to interfere with the free market nor was it their imperative to reduce/control prices of food when millions of dying of starvation, and they actively discouraged charity or welfare because it would make the people lazy. This is so in-line with present Republican party's belief that even during a once in a lifetime pandemic, giving assistance to people to weather their losses should be subject to constraints and very limited; that even the idea of extended unemployment benefits or universal childcare is abhorrent without means testing and work requirements because god forbid the government ever get into the business of helping the common people instead of the corporations. I just felt while reading this chapter about famines that colonialism and empire might not exist today in its past form, but it's legacies are carried forward with enough fervor into the future.

To conclude, this was an informative and well narrated look at all the ways in which the Raj destroyed India, and was not a benevolent force that brought development, democracy and liberalism to a backward nation. This book is definitely one of those that serves as an answer to the many Raj apologists who keep reminiscing the good old days of the empire, forgetting that it was never actually good for those who were colonized. Ofcourse, this is not an extensive nor a completely chronological look at the history of the British Raj in India, but probably a good one to start with for those who are unfamiliar with the history or just want more insight into the times. And as the author rightfully points out, the crimes of colonialism maybe forgiven but can't be forgotten, it's all of our imperative to ensure we all remember this history as we strive for a better future.

3.5

A clearheaded and comprehensive account of what the British did to India.

I remember watching Sashi Tharoor's Oxford speech and going on a YouTube binge of all his interviews relating to the topic. It captivated me because as an Indian I had no idea about India's position in the world before the British Empire. I've had disagreements with fellow Indians who believed India is where it is in the global economy now because the British empire had the mercy to industrialize India. I have British mates who grow up with a heroic sympathy towards Winston Churchill. Sashi Tharoor just clears all these notions and doubts by factual evidences. He makes no mistakes in conveying the history of how a prosperous region was systematically destroyed to rubbles all in the name of trade by the empire.

I was sceptical when I read the title. I was expecting a one-sided story of all the ill done by the British empire from the perspective of an Indian, but I was proved wrong. The quotes from books and speeches by non-Indian historians, writers and economists made it clear that it wasn't just the complaints and rants of the subjugated. Will Durant is my favourite of all such writers mentioned in this book.

It was also reassuring to learn that among the stone-hearted, racist and wealth hungry British elites, there were some rare gem's who saw Indians as equals and genuinely cared for the people. I would recommend this book for every Indian. Knowing our history means knowing ourselves.