Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6-15
This Victorian-Mughal hotel was built by the great
Indian industrialist T Tata. Opening in 1903, it had
granite staircases, electric fans, and 400 beds. It
was the only luxury hotel in Bombay where Indians
were permitted to stay . Photograph courtesy of
B. A. Weightman.
founded the country' s steel industry , with the Tata Iron
and Steel plant opening in Jamshedpur, Bihar, in 1907.
The Tata family continues to reign as India' s largest in-
dustrial dynasty .
In order to show their superiority , power, and domi-
nance, the British constructed imposing edifices. Grand
architecture of what became known as the Victorian-
Mughal style housed train stations, post offices, and
other important buildings. Bombay' s Taj Mahal hotel was
one of the grandest of all (Figure 6-15).
In 1911, Queen Victoria' s grandson, King (Emperor)
George V , and Queen (Empress) Mary arrived in Bombay ,
the first British royal visit in history . At a key moment in
the spectacular durbar (assembly) in Delhi, the mon-
archs announced from Shah Jahan' s Red Fort that the
imperial capital was to be transferred from Calcutta to
Delhi, where a new city would be constructed.
Designed by British architects and finally inaugu-
rated in 1931, New Delhi was designed with broad,
straight avenues, well-suited for parades; prominent
Victorian-Mughal government buildings; stately palaces
for the viceroy and other notables; and spacious
bungalow for the elite. European in plan, yet Indian in
style, New Delhi was a contradictory counterpart to the
traditional maze of Old Delhi (Figure 6-16).
by growing numbers of educated Indians. At the same
time, Indian religious scholars had reinvigorated Hin-
duism. Some even suggested modifications more appro-
priate for a modern society such as the abolition of caste.
The Indian National Congress, formed in 1865, pro-
vided a forum for nationalist sentiments, and became the
main instrument for the independence movement. The
Congress Party continues to be one of the most influen-
tial in India. Expressions of desire for greater autonomy
were disdained or ignored by the British.
When the state of Bengal was halved into Hindu-
dominated and Muslim-dominated parts in 1905, with-
out consultation with any Indian leaders, Bengal erupted
with huge demonstrations. Picketers were beaten and
leaders were whisked away without trial. Although four
years later the division of Bengal was revoked, national-
istic mind-sets had hardened and moved underground,
from where a campaign of terror against the British was
directed.
During the same period, Muslims were actively
looking out for their own interests. The Muslim League
was created in 1906. Although Muslims made up more
than 20 percent of the population, they were scattered
and not well represented in positions of power. Certainly
the Congress Party was run by Brahmin Hindus. In 1916
it was agreed that Muslims and Hindus should have sep-
arate elections and representation.
World War I (1914-1918) was a significant event in
that 1.2 million Indian troops served the Empire by
fighting on the side of the Allied Forces. In the after-
math, British colonies such as Australia and Canada
were granted significant control over their own affairs.
THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE
The notion of self-rule had its roots in the nineteenth
century , when there was a renewed interest in Indian his-
tory , culture, and religion. European scholars pursued
translations of ancient works, and these were avidly read
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