Burke’s view on India as Revealed in “Speech on East India Bill

Answer

Critically analyze Burke’s view on India as revealed in “Speech on East India Bill.”

In Edmund Burke’s (1729-1797) vibrant “Speech on the East India Bill,” delivered on December 1, 1783, he shares his multifaceted views on India. The author displays how the once prosperous India is declining her prestigious position due to the tyrannical rule of the British East India Company. This analysis will discuss several critical aspects of Burke’s perspective on India.

India as a Land of Rich Heritage and Civilization: Burke confesses India’s ancient civilization and rich cultural heritage. He emphasizes that India was a land of great wealth and sophistication long before British intervention. India was “eminently, peopled and eminently productive.” But they dropped from their “ancient prosperity.” Corruption, avarice, lawlessness, fraud, evasion, and arbitrariness described the British rule in India, and the British rule turned this “once opulent and flourishing country” into “waste with fire and sword.”

Exploitation by the East India Company: Exploitation means the action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. The East India Company misuses India to gain its benefits. Burke was vehemently opposed to the exploitative practices of the East India Company. He argued that the Company had abused its political and commercial power in India. Burke stated, 

There is not a single prince, state, or potentate, great or small, in India, with whom they have not sold…not a single treaty they have ever made, which they have not broken. 

This quotation highlights the systematic betrayal and exploitation carried out by the Company. This indicates how brutal the company was toward India!

Comparison with Past Conquerors: Burke drew comparisons between the British and past conquerors of India. He does it to illustrate the unique failures of the British administration. While acknowledging the ferocity of previous invasions, he highlighted the insidious nature of British rule. It involved their deceit and systemic exploitation rather than outright violence. This comparison aimed to show that British rule was uniquely damaging in its approach to governance.

Empathy for the Indian People: Burke attempted to evoke empathy among his peers for the plight of the Indian people. He criticized those who viewed Indian affairs through a detached and bureaucratic lens. He also urged a more humane approach. Here is an excerpt to understand the point: 

I have compared [India] to Germany…to awaken something of sympathy for the unfortunate natives.​​

Here, Burke aimed to foster a sense of shared humanity and responsibility towards the Indian population. His such sympathetic consideration ultimately makes his speech fail.  

Support for Substantial Reform: The ruling system in India was undergoing severe brutality. Under this circumstance,  Burke supported substantial legislative reforms to improve the governance of India. He believed that half-measures would be ineffective and potentially harmful. He remarked in the parliament in the following manner.

It is not only agreed but demanded…that a whole system ought to be produced; that it ought not to be a half measure​​. 

This shows his advocacy for comprehensive and strong reforms in India which may result in a good relationship between the two nations.

In conclusion, Burke’s view on India was a powerful critique of British colonial practices and a call for substantial reform. He highlighted the moral responsibility of the British Parliament and critiqued the inefficiency and corruption of the East India Company. Burke’s empathy for the Indian people and his warnings about the long-term implications of misrule reflect his profound understanding of the ethical and political dimensions of British imperialism.