Reviewed Date: January 18th, 2022
In this book, Yuval has mentioned the laid foundations of India’s judicial system and administrative system. He also said that India adopted the British version of democracy. That’s true, but considering the atrocities, mass killings, and brutalities they had committed over 200 years, you cannot celebrate that India was democratic at the end of the rule.
It’s like asking the widow of the American president, “Apart from that, Ms. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?” The rail network is built for their benefits but not for Indians. Another sad but famous example is the Bengal famine, where millions died. The British paid no attention to people’s screams; they built up their stockpiles.
My great-grandfather and grandfathers were lucky because they were under a different regime. Though taxes were high, at least they weren’t killed for not paying their share.
Without British rule in India, there is a possibility that India would have been under an extractive government. But we shouldn’t forget the atrocities they committed.
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