All the reasons why i have a love hate relationship with the British

Ever since I had learned of Indian history, I was prepared to hate the British and the way they ruled over India for almost two centuries. When someone asked if I was given a chance to travel in time and change one thing in history, my answer was always to snatch the Kohinoor away from the royal family. I didn’t know much history back then and I was angry as I felt it was unfair to take away a prized possession and add proudly to their crown jewel. This does not mean I hate the royal family or the entire country but there is no denying the history.

British Colonization and Democracy

But, I wondered sometimes what would happen to India if not for the British. Would we still be under the role of dictators? Would there be provincial states ruled by emperors and passed on to the next heir? Would there still be wars to be won and not elections to ascend the throne? It is known that the British took advantage of the class differences that already existed among us to rule over. But if we had not fought through those divisions to show our unity and strength, would we be what we are today?

It’s very bizarre to think how the culture of a country could change within a few decades. India is one of the oldest civilizations with diverse cultures and has had foreign invasions throughout history. As dynasties rose and fell, the lands were won through war. As trade flourished, businesses from the far west wanted to seize the opportunity thereby eventually allowing them to rule the country. But it would be foolish to deny the good that came along with western rule. Whether it was a charitable exercise to bring in order or capitalizing on the economic opportunity they saw, only their conscience will tell. Their rule over India was undeniably aided by the rich and powerful in exchange for wealth and privileges. The British saw the divisions and biases present in the society and played along to favor the rich and punish the poor. Though there is still a debate whether India was left poorer than was found by them, we cannot deny the industrial revolution and technological advancements during that period.

Anyways, we are not here to analyze the British colonization and its effects, but only their long impacts on our modern culture through their presence and their influence. I wonder if not for European invasions, would India have adapted to English, or someone kept imposing Hindi on others assuming it’s the National Language ( Oh damn! That is still happening!). Whether we need English or westernization is not the point, but it has opened up the world and thousands of opportunities, especially for a highly populous country like ours. Though there might be arguments to this statement when we consider examples of big countries like China, and Russia still holding on to their languages yet being economically strong and independent.

The Regency Era

Although my binge-watching and reading the Bridgerton books inspired me to this post, there were numerous instances that introduced me to the brilliance of the Regency Era. Starting from Titanic, probably being the first Hollywood movie I ever remember watching that portrayed elegance, poise, beauty, and romance in their zenith to Sherlock Homes and every other period drama and fairy tale that showcased royalty and fantasies beyond imagination.

All the Aesthetic things

Didn’t we all fall in love with the Harry Potter movies just for the brilliance of the Hogwarts castle and their long black robes? Can you imagine Harry Potter set in America? Surely, I cannot. ( If Hollywood even made such a spinoff, I hope it doesn’t look like Riverdale with silly high school stereotypes. )

Apart from the grandeur of the palaces and the gardens, the next eye-catching element is the costumes. There is a certain grace in their wardrobes that can be modest yet expose the right silhouette. The regency era had certain rules, ranks, and standards that made it all the more exciting – at least from a watcher’s pov. I am fascinated by their accents and often immerse myself in imitating them.

Though Britain isn’t just the long gowns and balls, I have to remind you that my knowledge of the country and its culture is only through moving pictures. I truly admire their eye for design and color that clearly is aesthetic and grand. I am very much amused by the high teas and dinners on unusually long tables filled with food and colorful cutlery surrounded by men and women talking and giggling while enjoying the food, still holding on to their etiquette. ( Of course, it’s no comparison to the banana leaf feasts 😛 )

Railways

I am also in constant awe of the existence of these beautiful steam engines and galloping coaches adorned with windows to the world brought in by the British during their rule. I enjoy the existence of trains especially because of the history I share with them as I cannot count the number of times I traveled on them. It reminds me of cold air brushing through my face as I watched the scenery fade from dusty urban buildings to lush green farmlands. It seemed an exotic mode of transport for me because it wasn’t about luxury and comfort but the communal memories it held.

My Inspiration

Alas, coming back to what inspired me to write about the British is this intimate scene showing a Haldi function in the Netflix series Bridgerton which is predominantly set in London. The recent efforts of filmmakers for representation are definitely commendable and moreover, it shows how our cultures have evolved to marry each other. The new age has opened up our world beyond the seas and it’s only prudent we explore the richness of it all.

Living most of my life in Chennai, I grew up looking at the beautiful structures built during the British Era. These colonial buildings include the Central station, Fort St.George, Napier Bridge, and universities like Madras university and College of Engineering in Guindi, St.Thomas church, Parry’s Corner, High Court, Egmore Museum, Connemara Library still serve a great purpose and power in the state.

The world’s mine Oyster The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare

I also realized that there are so many beautiful things around us; all we need to do is pause and observe. Though I have not traveled to enough countries to compare, I am sure that India is very rich in culture, color, and beauty. There is so much history and architecture here that it is close to impossible to visit them all. What I could advise you is whenever you go to a new place, take a beat. Instead of just taking pictures and dreamy reels, look for stories and experiences around the place.

Do you have something close to heart about England ? Or are you a Jane Austen fanatic? Let me know in the comments below.