Science as a tool for subjugation: An analysis of British rule in India

Abstract

The development of modern science was seen as one of the greatest intellectual achievements of human beings that liberated human society from centuries of superstitions and obscurantic beliefs and practices. It paved the way for industrialisation, economic development and overall prosperity of the country. The rapid pace of industrialisation required the sourcing of raw materials from far-off places and new markets for finished products. This led to an expansion of the empire and competition among the imperial powers to control as many areas as possible outside Europe. British entry into India and their subsequent consolidation of power over the Indian people were entirely different from all previous incursions. Science and technology were not used only as a force to take over India physically, but also as a systematic intellectual tool to subjugate Indians mentally and physically. Based on extensive literature review and archival materials, in this paper, we have analyzed how the introduction of science and technology in India by colonial rulers was a systematic strategy to destroy India's cultural heritage and prove that Indians by nature are inferior, mentally and physically to Europeans. Our analysis shows that the British established Scientific institutions in India to collect data on natural resources for their efficient exploitation and further expansion of their empire. In their policies and actions, they discriminated, demoralised and even tried to devastate the Indian mind by curtailing the available basic facilities needed to perform their work. Science became a handy tool to legitimise their rule over India.