Evolution of British Attitudes Towards Indians in British India: A Historical Analysis

The narrative of British involvement in India, as described in Narrative of a journey over land from England…India by Anne Katharine Elwood, offers a stark glimpse into the racial attitudes of the 19th century. This work, published in the late 1800s, provides a window into the evolving perceptions of Indians by the British during a crucial period of their colonial rule.

The British Narrative in Early Narratives

Elwood's book is replete with descriptions of Indian life and culture that reveal a significant undercurrent of racial and social prejudice. In her account, Indians are portrayed in a manner that highlights their perceived barbarism, immorality, and lack of sophistication. For example, she describes Indian coolies in a manner reminiscent of primate behavior, both in their physical posture and their apparent mindset. This comparison to monkeys underscores the dehumanization of the Indian populace as seen through British eyes.

Attitudes During the Early and Mid-19th Century

Elwood's descriptions suggest that by the early 19th century, there was a clear divide between the British and Indian populations. The British were often seen as superior and more civilized, whereas Indians were viewed as 'beasts of burden' with limited intelligence and moral restraint. This attitude is evident in passages where the author describes the coolies' primary concerns as obtaining rice and sleeping whenever possible.

The Development of Racism in British India

The negative attitudes observed in Elwood’s work are not unique to her but reflect a broader shift in British perceptions of Indians during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This change was precipitated by the rapid territorial expansion and increasing control of the British East India Company over vast swathes of Indian territory, starting from the Battle of Buxar in 1764. From being mere traders and mercenaries, the Company transformed into a powerful colonial administration with the governance of millions of Indians.

Factors Contributing to the Emergence of Racism

The shift towards a more overtly racist attitude was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the British found themselves in a position of power and authority in a strange and largely unfamiliar land. This power differential often led to a sense of entitlement and superiority. Additionally, religious and cultural clashes exacerbated existing tensions, leading to a generalization of Indian society and the dehumanization of Indians. The described instances of violence, the use of the language of kicks and blows as a form of enforcement, and the acknowledgement of the "degradation of the lowest classes" illustrate the harsh realities of this shift in attitudes.

Counter-Currents and Gradual Shift

However, it is essential to acknowledge that amidst the pervasive racism, there were also individuals and groups that challenged and resisted these views. The emergence of a western-educated Indian elite, who were exposed to European ideas of equality and liberty, began to chisel away at the foundations of institutional and societal racism. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, British attitudes towards Indians began to evolve, with a growing recognition of their rights and dignity.

Conclusion: A Critical Appraisal

The narrative of Elwood and other contemporaneous writings provide a nuanced and critical analysis of the complex social dynamics of British India. The evolution of British attitudes towards Indians is a multifaceted process shaped by geopolitical, socio-economic, and cultural factors. While the descriptions in historical texts like this one are replete with biases and prejudices, they also serve as a vital reminder of the broader struggles for human dignity and equality that were unfolding in the colonial world.