Tuesday 9 May 2023

Did you know that the only reason why Taj Mahal is in Agra is that it was too heavy for britishers to carry it to London museum.

The Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a testament to his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed around 1653. Luckily its built too heavy else it would have been in the British museum in London.

The British colonial administration in India implemented policies that aimed to benefit British interests, often resulting in the extraction of wealth from India. These policies included heavy taxation, land revenue systems, trade monopolies, and the exploitative practices of the East India Company. These factors, along with other economic mechanisms, contributed to the drain of wealth from India during the colonial period.

Numerous valuable artifacts, including cultural treasures and artworks, were also taken from India during this time. Many of these artifacts found their way to British museums and private collections. During the period of British colonial rule in India, significant resources, wealth, and cultural artifacts were taken from the country. Here are a few examples of what the British took from India

Economic Resources: The British implemented various economic policies that aimed to exploit India's resources for their benefit. They levied heavy taxes, collected land revenue, and established monopolies on goods and trade. This resulted in the extraction of wealth from India, including valuable commodities such as textiles, indigo, spices, opium, and raw materials.

Art and Cultural Treasures: The British appropriated numerous cultural artifacts, artworks, and historical treasures from India. They acquired sculptures, manuscripts, jewelry, paintings, and other significant items, many of which found their way into British museums and private collections. Examples include the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Sultanganj Buddha, and various sculptures from ancient Indian sites.

Archaeological Discoveries: British colonial authorities conducted extensive archaeological excavations in India, unearthing ancient sites such as the Indus Valley Civilization sites, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and Sanchi Stupa. Many of the artifacts and sculptures found during these excavations were transported to British institutions.

Intellectual Property: British colonial rule also witnessed the appropriation of traditional knowledge, intellectual property, and scientific discoveries from India. Traditional medicines, textile techniques, agricultural practices, and botanical knowledge were exploited for British commercial interests.

Human Resources: The British recruited Indian laborers for various projects, including infrastructure development, plantation labor, and military service. Large numbers of Indians were also taken to work as indentured laborers in British colonies around the world, including the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Educational and Administrative Systems: The British introduced educational and administrative systems in India that were primarily designed to serve their own interests. English education and legal systems were promoted, while traditional Indian systems were often marginalized. This had long-lasting effects on Indian society and culture.

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