Indian history is diverse due to a mix of ancient civilizations, beliefs, and thoughts. The Indus Valley Civilization placed the foundation stone of development. Chandragupta Maurya from the Maurya Empire unified most of India. When we remember the Colonial Era of India ruled under the East India Company, we are reminded of the cruelty of the British. However, whenever we talk about the British, we are constantly reminded about many remnants of East India Company that are good. Here are the various things Britishers left behind for India and Indians.
1. English Language
Britishers taught the English language to Indians for a selfish reason to ease their work. The English language opened the doors of the world and opportunity to Indians. The language improved our language, thoughts and also benefited the economy and social life of people. India is benefited from the language and rapidly developed its economy. Indians seized the English language and turned it into an instrument for our own liberation.
2. Vaccination
In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Smallpox spread in India. Britishers knew the situation and vaccinated the Indian population using their latest technology. A Compulsory Vaccination Act was passed in India in 1892 to prevent smallpox. In addition, Sanitary Commissioners were posted in various regions to keep a check on the disease by setting up dispensaries.
3. Indian Railways
The foundation stone of one of the largest railway networks was laid by the British. The railway network was established to help British Government in trade. The railway was introduced to ease the transportation and fastest supply of raw material. Lord Dalhousie, the former governor-general of India, is known as the father of Indian Railways. Most of the central stations were the work of the British infrastructure. Indian railway is vast and complex. It connects several distant regions of the country. The railway is the primary form of transportation in India.
4. Indian Army
Indian Army is the fourth most powerful army in the world. The pride and honor of our nation, the Indian Army, was formed in the British era. The culture, discipline, and many army practices that persist belong to the pre-independence period.
Also Read: Valuable Items British Empire Has Stolen From The World
5. Indian Census
Britishers started the census in 1871. The census was taken once in 10 years to collect the population’s statistical data, gender, religion, caste, occupation, and education. Since 2011, the decennial census of India has been conducted 15 times.
6. Surveying India
British set up the department of Geographical Survey of India in 1851. The institution surveyed villages, cities and made maps of India. Many places use the same maps which were made during the British time. With the help of any advanced surveying instruments, the British surveyed every inch of India and created maps. Those maps are so accurately made that they are still used.
7. Social Reforms
British contributed a lot to the removal of social practices like Sati and child marriage. They banned such cruel, inhumane practices and also promoted a widow’s remarriage. We can not think what India would be like if these practices still existed. Britishers passed many acts and ordinances to eradicate such social practices. Raja Ram Mohan Roy also supported the Britishers in the cause.
What are your thoughts on the things left behind by the Britishers? Let us know in the comment section below.
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