Last month, the duke and duchess of Cambridge visited Pakistan, in what seemed to be a step forward for Pakistan, and also a very respectful visit by the couple. They were highly praised by many people, especially by Pakistanis for the way they dressed and behaved during their visit. Although the visit seemed perfectly fine, we should never forget what these people represent. The British Royal family represent the British Empire. The empire which caused many social and economic disasters in the whole region of South Asia. South Asian should never forgot the impact the empire had on the region.
I don’t like to judge people based on the actions of their predecessors. However, when a person continues to benefit from their actions, then I have a problem. On top of that, when nothing has been done to acknowledge the crimes of the empire, then my disaffection for them furthers. People forget that this family were once the emperor/empress of India. They were the face of all the terrible things that happened in British ruled India. Crimes committed by the empire continue to this day, with stolen gems such as Koh-I-Noor under the possession of the Royal Family.
Under the current education system in the UK, were taught how great the empire was. It helped “backwards” countries move forward into a prosperous state. That is a lie. The empire had a detrimental impact on all the countries it had control over. Economic and social impacts meant countries were set back, instead of moving forward.
Countries like India were at the forefront of science and technology, with a booming economy. Before the arrival of the Brits, India was one of the richest countries in the world, with 23% of global GDP. A country where poverty was not widely present and where trade was easily accessible to all. Every person had a community as India is one of the most culturally diverse country. India was a thriving country. Even if the region broke up into smaller states, such as Gujarat, Punjab etc, the region of South Asia should be world leaders.
With the arrival of British empire, the region was solely aimed at improving the empire, and the position of Britain on a global scale. By imposing tariffs and duties, those who were prospering, now fell into poverty. India’s textile industry was the most admired in the world. Tariffs imposed on the industry meant they were unable able to progress with time and improve. New technology was too expensive for them to buy. The industry fell behind and ended up being overtaken by their competitors around the world. Essentially, this helped the textile industry in Britain, as the Industrial revolution allowed high quality and quick products to be produced. By de-industrialising India, Britain was able to march forwards in their quest of world domination.
More importantly, the social impact on India was most catastrophic. Before, India had very little poverty. Under British rule, many people ended up living in poverty. That sense of community was lost, as people had to take care of themselves before they looked after others. Genocide is not a word associated with Britain, however, they committed genocides more times than once in India. In fact, it’s not just in India that genocides were committed. All over the world, the empire killed millions of people. In India, there were many famines that took place during the British rule. These were not ordinary famines. They were forced famines caused by British policies. During the Bengal famine of 1943, between 2 to 3 million people died. Churchills response to the famine, the Indians were “breeding like rabbits”. That’s what the greatest Britain to ever lived responded when millions of people were dying. A racist, who was responsible for the deaths of millions. His policies caused this. Winston Churchill was responsible for the genocide in Bengal.
To this day, the troubles caused by the empire is still felt. I believe, if India was left alone, it would be like the EU where smaller states make up a bigger bloc. States from all across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh would be working together, achieving great things, for their people and the world. Instead these countries have millions of people living in poverty. They are countries at war with each other. At the end of the empire, the partition caused millions of people to be displaced and a war which killed thousands. A war which still continues to this day. The troubles between India and Pakistan are the result of stagnation caused by hundreds of years of British Rule.
To my people all across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Remember our history. Who we are. Never forget the troubles our predecessors went through under British rule. We may disagree on many things, but all of our families suffered under the empire. Never forget the millions of people that died by their hands. Don’t look up to the family that has blood on their hands. They caused all this bloodshed and hatred. They will never give up what they have. What they acquired by the deaths of millions. So why are we bowing down to them? Instead help and love each other. Don’t fight to solve a dispute. Use your words. Start working together to create a prosperous region. A region which is at the forefront of science and technology, where no one lives in poverty. We are one and I love you all.
Aleha
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