Economist James Mill Division on Indian History

James Mill and its importance: In 1817, James Mill, a Scottish economist and political philosopher, published a massive three volume work, “A history of British India.” In this he divided Indian history into three periods - Hindu, Muslim and British. We divide history into different periods in order to capture the characteristics of a time, its central features as they appear to us. there is a reason why and how do we periodise a time in History

James Mill

History is a record of significant events written in chronological order.

It is the subject from where we find out how things have changed in the past.

We periodise a time in order to characterise it into different periods on the basis of some significant events that have happened during those days.

These demarcations of time into different into different periods in the past is known as 'Periodisation' which become important for history.

They help to reflect our ideas quickly about the happenings and changes from one period to the next.

Mill thought that all Asian societies were at a lower level of civilization that Europe. According to his telling of history, before the British came to India, Hindu and Muslim despots ruled the country. Religious intolerance, caste taboos and superstitious practices dominated social life. British rule, Mill felt, could civilize India. To do this it was necessary to introduce European manners, arts institutions and laws in India.

Mill suggested that the British should conquer all the territories in India to ensure the enlightenment and happiness of the Indian people.for India was not capable of progress without British help.

In this idea of history, British rule represented all the forces of progress and civilization. The period before British rule was one of darkness.

Apart from British classification, historians have usually divided Indian history into three parts ancient, medieval and modern. This division too has its problems. It is a periodisation that is borrowed from the west where the modern period was associated with the growth of all the forces of modernity - science, reason, democracy, liberty and equality. Medieval was a term used to describe a society where these features of modern society did not exist.

The British established their control over India and made it a colony. Colonisation is a term that refers to a process in which one country subjugates another and thus brings political, economic, social and cultural changes.

" James Rennel was a supporter of British rule in India " justify this statement

Robert Clive , the General who stood victorious in the Battle of Plassey, had asked James Rennel to produce maps of India.

James Rennel was a passionate supporter of British rule in India.

He knew that maps were important for the Britishers to conquer other parts of India and extend their dominion.

Therefore, he produced several maps for the Britishers, and as a staunch suppoters of the British .

He even produced a picture depicting Brahmins offering their sacred texts to Britannia which further proves that he was a supporter of British rule in India.

Chapters

How When and Where II

Colonialism and the City II

Colonialism and the City I

When People Rebel II

When People Rebel I

Tribals Dikus and The Vision of Golden Age II

Tribals Dikus and The Vision of a Golden Age I

Ruling The Country Side II

Ruling The Country Side I

From Trade to Territory II

From Trade to Territory I