The
appropriate period , to get acquainted with the happenings in Modern Bharat
starts from late 17th and early 18th century till India achieved
freedom from British rule in 1947.
Truly,
it is a period of consolidation with various forces at work when, 'Bharat'
as a nation , got consolidated . During this era , the country witnessed
sizable progress in terms of infrastructural development , political
awakening, inculcation of democratic values and finally independence from
the British rule
During
the years 1710 till the latter half of the nineteenth century the Peshwa
rule was dominant, not only in the western part but also till the
northern frontiers of India . The ' throne ' of Mughals at Delhi
, was literally narrowed down to be a mere puppet in the hands of Marathas
. It was the catastrophic event of third Panipat Battle which changed
this scene .
The British, posing initially as traders , slowly took the advantage
of the situation and came to power , in these times .The 1st ever national
war of independence was fought with them in 1857 . Both sides displayed
brutality to an extent, which was not true to the Indian tradition .
After the victory of British forces in 1857, East India Company
could no longer rule such a giant
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territory
and powers were passed to the British government .After few years of consolidation
, the British rule got stabilized in India . The railway , organized postal
service and many other developments took place as a result .Also on the
negative side , the country suffered maximum exploitation of its natural
resources , by the British. Tribals in India were, denied the rightful
ownership of forest covered land , and the forests were declared as a
government property .
On
the political front , with participation of several leaders, the Indian
National Congress was born. Ultimately, from a ' petitioning ' organisation
it became a pivotal body , in India's struggle for freedom. So also along
with their non violent means, there were alternative currents in freedom
struggle , which also largely contributed in ousting out the British rule.
Emergence of worlds one of the greatest enlightened personality was witnessed
by this era . Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi -Mahatma Gandhi as he
is known , dimension to it , with his Gandhian thought .
In
these days , a lot of catharsis and brain storming , in an introspective
way gave rise to a reform movement , along with certain sects of modern
Indian philosophy and thought. With many of the forces acting on the
governance, the British had to bow down to the demands of millions of
Indians , and the dawn of independence could arise,on 15th August 1947.
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