British Imperialism in India

Britain defeats France in the first global conflict & gains complete European presence in India

conversion to Christianity
social changes: tried to end caste system & slvary, sati prohibited

condemned some Indian traditions: caste, child marriages, sati, purdah
wanted to revitalize "Indian" culture...seen later as the founder of Indian nationalism

Sepoys required to serve overseas
allowed Hindu widows to remarry

Sepoys rebelled after the practice of biting tips of the rifle cartridges off (that had been greased in animal fats...offensive to both Muslims & Hindus)

Colonial rule established. Power transferred to Parliament from the East India Trading Company

British trade with India soared

transformed agriculture to cash crops...leading to famine

mostly professionals & business leaders
peaceful protest to gain their goals of greater democracy
worked toward eventual self-rule, but supported western-style modernization