The impact of British rule in India
I can recall that Britain's control of India impacted both countries significantly and that historians' interpretations differ.
The impact of British rule in India
I can recall that Britain's control of India impacted both countries significantly and that historians' interpretations differ.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- By 1876, Queen Victoria was declared Empress of India, ruling with the help of a viceroy and anglicised Indian elite.
- The British improved infrastructure in India for economic purposes and implemented healthcare initiatives.
- Britain was criticised for exploiting India’s resources and either failing to prevent, or contributing to, famine.
- Historians' interpretations of the impact of British rule on India differ from one to another.
Keywords
Anglicised - adapted and shaped in such a way as to exhibit English characteristics
Infrastructure - building projects that help enable travel and communication within a country, for example, roads, railways, etc.
Irrigation - waterways enabling crop growth in areas where beforehand it was not possible
Customs - the ways of behaving and societal rules that a group of people follow
Authoritarianism - ruling in a non-democratic way, often enforcing the law through violence
Common misconception
Cultural exchange between Britain and India was 'one-way'.
Cultural exchange between Britain and India moved in both directions, with both countries being permanently changed by the other.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The impact of British rule in India, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The impact of British rule in India, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Migration: how did Britain expand its control over India and Africa? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
infrastructure development and modernisation efforts
exploitation of the Indian population
laid the groundwork for India's economic and social progress
exploitation of the country’s natural resources
Britain was enriched culturally
cultural imperialism