Question

Differences between what two indian religious groups made it easier for britain to extend control over india in the late 1800s?

Answer 1

Differences between Hindus and Muslims were exploited by the British in India to extend their control. The British East India Company's policies and divide and conquer strategies, including changing education and religious practices, contributed to disunity. This disunity made it easier for Britain to enforce the British Raj and maintain control over India.

Step-by-step explanation:

The differences between the two major religious groups in India, Hindus and Muslims, facilitated Britain's extension of control over India in the late 1800s. The British East India Company exploited India's diversity by encouraging competition and disunity among various factions, tribes, and specifically the religious divides between Hindus and Muslims. The British implemented policies that disrespected religious practices and used divide and conquer strategies, such as introducing Western schooling that preferred English over Persian, impacting the traditional Islamic education system.

These divisive strategies helped create a lack of unity amongst Indians, which made it easier for Britain to control the region. Enforcement of British cultural norms, the restructuring of Indian society, and technological superiority further cemented British power. The British Raj, beginning in 1858 after the suppression of the Sepoy Mutiny, marked the period of direct British rule over India, where British policies continued to exploit and manage Indian divisions for imperial benefit.

Answer 2

Indian society underwent many changes after the British came to India. In the 19th century, certain social practices like female infanticide, child marriage, sati, polygamy and a rigid caste system became more prevalent. These practices were against human dignity and values.