By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
Did you ever wonder:
What is Indian culture like? Learn more!
Interesting facts about India you didn’t know about!
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
The British Raj
Summary
Did you know that British colonial rule in India, which lasted over two centuries, left behind far more than political change? During this time, the British extracted massive wealth from India, leaving behind scars that shaped the nation’s economy and society. From famines to the deindustrialization of India, the consequences of the British Raj are still felt today, influencing inequality and underdevelopment in modern India. This story is one of exploitation, oppression, and an enduring legacy that continues to shape the country’s path.
From Abundance to Abject Poverty
In the 1700s, India was an economic powerhouse, holding 27% of the world’s economy—more than all of Europe combined! But after 250 years of British dominance, India’s share plummeted to less than 3%. This devastating fall tells a grim tale of colonial exploitation.
“In 1700, India’s share of the world economy was 27%, more than all of Europe combined—by the end of British rule, it had fallen to just 3%”
Historical Records
Impact of British Rule
Before British rule, India was a hub of trade and commerce, with flourishing industries like agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. But after the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, the British seized control, exploiting India for its resources. By the time India gained independence in 1947, the country’s once-thriving industries had collapsed, its economy crippled, and its people divided.
Ancient Indian Industries
India was a far greater industrial and manufacturing nation than any in Europe or Asia. Its textile goods, exquisite jewelry, precious stones, pottery, porcelains, fine metalwork were renowned worldwide.From the writings of JT Sunderland
Textile Industry
India was once a textile superpower, holding a 25–30% share of the global textile trade. But under British rule, India’s vibrant textile industry was crushed by monopolies and disrupted trade links.
Shipbuilding Industry
Indian vessels were known for their elegance, utility, and durability, outlasting English ships by far.
Historical Records
India’s shipbuilding industry was another victim of British exploitation. Indian vessels, known for their durability and elegance, outlasted British ships by decades. But the British East India Company’s dominance led to the downfall of the Bengali merchant fleet, robbing India of a vital source of revenue.
Bengali ships were much more durable than English ships. Bengali ships had an average lifespan of over 20 years, while English ships were not known to last more than 12.
Merchant contracts from that time period
Steel Industry
Indian made Steel was popularized as Damascus steel which came from the Indian Steel Industry which was the first in the world to provide steel to the world from before the 6th century CE
Historical records
India pioneered the production of crucible steel, also known as Damascus steel, as early as the 6th century CE. This industry, too, was crippled under British rule, leading to a loss of global reputation.
Exploitation by Taxation
Beyond industries, the British imposed harsh taxes on Indian farmers, often forcing them into debt and starvation. This system of exploitation created millions of landless farmers and fueled cycles of poverty.
The Impact of the British Raj
By the late 19th century, India had become Britain’s largest source of revenue. Indian taxes funded British soldiers and civil servants, but the cost to India was catastrophic.
“India is to be bled of money; the Lancet should be directed to those parts where the blood is congested”
Marquess of Salisbury, UK Prime Minister
It’s estimated that the British extracted a jaw-dropping $43 trillion from India during their rule. The construction of railways, often hailed as a British “gift” to India, was primarily for British economic interests, with each mile costing Indians exorbitantly more than what similar infrastructure cost in the U.S.
The total amount of wealth extracted from India by the British amounts to a jaw-dropping $43 trillion.
Modern economists estimation
Railways of India
Every mile of Indian rail cost an inflated £18,000 to construct, compared to only £2,000 for the same distance in the United States.
Historical Records
The British-built railways were used to exploit India’s resources, transporting agricultural goods out of the country—even during famines, which resulted in the deaths of 35 million people.
The Legacy of British Colonialism
“Under British rule, an estimated 35 million preventable deaths occurred due to famines”
Contemporary Records
The story of India’s decline under British rule is a harsh reminder of the destruction wrought by colonialism. Fortunately, since gaining independence, India hasn’t experienced a large-scale famine, and the country is on a path of self-reliance and recovery. While the economic scars run deep, the resilience of India continues to shine.
Conclusion
The story of India’s journey from abundance to abject poverty under British rule stands as a poignant reminder of the price paid for colonialism’s pursuit of wealth and power.
Historical Places
India is a land of rich history and culture, with a vast array of historical sites to see. From the ancient ruins of lost civilizations to the magnificent temples, forts and palaces, India is a treasure trove of historical wonders.
Explore the many historical places to see in India, from the well-known tourist destinations to the lesser-known gems. We will also cover historical places in neighboring countries that are influenced by Indian culture where possible.
Whether you are interested in ancient history or medieval architecture you will find something to interest you in India. So come along with us on a journey through the history of India, from the dawn of civilization to the very recent past.
What is Vishu?
What is Vishu?
Vishu is an Indian new year festival that is primarily celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala, as well as in some other parts of the country.
It usually falls on or around April 14th each year and marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. The festival is also known as Malayalam New Year or Kerala New Year.
Vishu is a festival that is rich in cultural and religious significance. One of the most important rituals of Vishu is the Vishukkani, which means “the first thing seen on Vishu morning”.
The Vishukkani is a special arrangement of auspicious items such as rice, betel leaves, flowers, fruits, and coins, all placed in a special vessel called Uruli. The Uruli is placed in front of a deity or a photograph of Lord Krishna, and is the first thing that people see upon waking up on Vishu morning. It is believed that seeing the Vishukkani brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Another important tradition of Vishu is the giving of Vishukkaineetam, which is a token amount of money given to family members, friends, and employees as a symbol of goodwill and prosperity.
Here are some popular dishes that are prepared for Vishu:
- Vishu Kanji: This is a rice porridge made with coconut milk, spices, and vegetables like pumpkin or beans. It is a traditional dish that is usually served for breakfast on Vishu morning.
- Thoran: This is a dry vegetable dish made with grated coconut, green chilies, and spices. It is usually made with vegetables like beans, cabbage, or carrot.
- Vishu Sadya: This is a traditional vegetarian feast that is served on Vishu day. It typically includes a variety of dishes like sambar, rasam, avial, thoran, and payasam.
- Mango Pachadi: This is a sweet and sour mango chutney made with ripe mangoes, jaggery, and tamarind. It is often served as a side dish for the Vishu Sadya.
- Ada Pradhaman: This is a sweet rice pudding made with rice flakes, coconut milk, jaggery, and cardamom. It is a popular dessert served during the Vishu Sadya.
- Paal Payasam: This is a sweet milk pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is a popular dessert in Kerala and is often served during festivals.
Vishu marks the beginning of a new agricultural year and is considered to be an auspicious day for farmers to start cultivating their crops. It is also believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna, and therefore, it has great significance in the Hindu religion.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
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