July 22, 2015
Shashi Tharoor on British Colonialism: The Indian Experience
This is for all those who believe India benefited more than that it lost from being ruled by the British. Here’s a wonderful speech at the Oxford Union Society by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on the motion “This house believes Britain owes reparations to her former colonies.”
In his stirring speech he brilliantly explains how India was governed for the benefit of the Britain and the effect of 200 year rules. What did 200 years of British rule cost us? India had been 23% of the global economy in the early 18th century. When the British left 200 years later, they’d managed to bring it down to a mere 4%! …and that is just a fraction of what the British did. He also spoke about how Britain’s industrialiation was anchored on the de-industrialisation of India.
Before listening to Dr. Tharoor, hear the views of Henna Dattani–Britain Does Owe Reparations.
Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger 
Hahahahaha…….What about China? Hahahahaha, I knew that the Lupus may have second opinion
Lupus still thinks that chinamen are like headless creatures……..Hahahaha
I feel/think Mr. Tharoor should have thought a bit more.
During the 200 years of British Raj. the Industrial Revn. was just coming onstream/swing in Europe. The textile mills were in full swing in UK/Ireland and elsewhere in Europe. The Indians had nothing to contribute towards the steam engine . It was the Brits who brought trains and steamships to India (re: e.g. coal industry).
Mr. Tharoor should have at least done some reading on Manas Chakravarthy……
The “myth” of India`s stolen GDP
http://historum.com/asian-history/51719-myth-india-s-stolen-gdp-wealth.html
Reparations? But how far back in history do we go…? Nelson Mandela was right… let bygones be bygones…
“Mr. Tharoor should have at least done some reading on Manas Chakravarthy……”
Um…who exactly is this guy and linking to a online forum post by right wing whiners ain’t exactly credible evidence.
Anyway all this talk of reparations is frankly loony.
Just because Indian is dealing with the legacy of colonialism does not translate to India being owed reparations.
History like life, is not fair.
Closer to home, we too had a group who announced, in a blitz of publicity, that they were going to sue the Brits. for forcibly bringing in Indians to Malaya…. HINDRAF?
Anyone heard of them since…?
Um…who exactly is this guy and linking to a online forum post by right wing whiners ain’t exactly credible evidence. – Conrad
Your comment is unreasonable (not that it cannot be reasoned against). Who I am does not matter.
Those “right wingers” are basing their stuff on facts…even if you do not personally like it. I could just as easily say that Mr. Tharoor, the Congress Party politician was making “stirring noises” in UK cos he is under some investigations for murder of his wife back home. By pandering to silly Indian passions, he is trying to regain some political credibility.
The much touted treasury of Aurangzeb (which non-right wingers sometimes refer to) was made up of loot/plunder /exorbitant taxes from the decimation of other rulers/kingdoms in Rajasthan etc. The nature of loot is to pass from one hand to the other.
Manas is a editor/writer at “Mint” (English business daily) owned by a premier Indian newspaper The Hindustan Times (in existence since 1924).
Now, coming back to the issue at hand, Mr. Conrad, what was India`s main export for that period that Mr. Tharoor says that the Brits stole from India?
I would say cotton but that was easily overwhelmed by the opening of cotton plantations in the newly discovered America. Cotton prices fell disastrously as the demand for Irish linen replaced cotton.
The next primary export commodity was opium…..and that is how Hong Kong grew.
Now, can someone (no rightwingers please) please get in touch with Mr.Tharoor, and get him to explain what India`s contributions were during the Industrial Revoln. and did not India benefit from that……and who establish Calcutta, Madras, Mumbai & Chennai as major ports. Also who established India`s Railway System. While at it let`s have a go at the Dams & Irrigation System as well.
Bet it was not Mr. Tharoor`s Congress Party.
With all that work, some Darjeeling Tea might help.
“Your comment is unreasonable (not that it cannot be reasoned against). Who I am does not matter.”
My question wasn’t who “you” are but who is “Manas Chakravarthy”, hence it is perfectly reasonable therefore your opening gambit, is unwarranted but understandable considering the tome of your reply.
“Those “right wingers” are basing their stuff on facts…”
Well then why don’t you link to those “facts” so we can judge their “stuff” for ourselves.
“I could just as easily say that Mr. Tharoor, the Congress Party politician was making “stirring noises” in UK cos he is under some investigations for murder of his wife back home. By pandering to silly Indian passions, he is trying to regain some political credibility.”
You just did in lieu of linking to anything that would bolster the argument you are making or Manas is making.
“Manas is a editor/writer at “Mint” (English business daily) owned by a premier Indian newspaper The Hindustan Times (in existence since 1924). ”
I know, I can use Google too. Now, why don’t you link to his work or any other sources that supports his argument instead of a forum post by whingeing right wingers.
“Now, coming back to the issue at hand, Mr. Conrad, what was India`s main export for that period that Mr. Tharoor says that the Brits stole from India?”
Um….what exactly constitutes an economy under Colonial rule ? Did India undergo an industrialization period under colonial rule ? India was under colonial rule from 1850 or thereabouts to 1947, so what period of time are you referring to or do you consider it one long stretch of unchanging circumstances ?
“Now, can someone (no rightwingers please) please get in touch with Mr.Tharoor, and get him to explain what India`s contributions were during the Industrial Revoln. and did not India benefit from that……and who establish Calcutta, Madras, Mumbai & Chennai as major ports. Also who established India`s Railway System. While at it let`s have a go at the Dams & Irrigation System as well.
Bet it was not Mr. Tharoor`s Congress Party.”
So your argument is that since Colonialism benefitted India, there would be no need for reparations since the benefits themselves could be considered a pay off.
Then make this argument instead of running about misreading posts, making ad hominems against Tharoor , talking about “facts” but never elaborating or citing and indulging in passive/aggressive posturing.