Why and how india lost her independence in the post?
India is ranked 111th out of 162 countries in the 2020 Human Freedom Index. Democracy, as well as economic and health-care safety nets, are found in the highest-ranking countries. New Zealand was victorious (it should not surprise us that it was able to handle the COVID-19 crisis better than wealthier nations like the U.S.). India has slipped five places on the list from last year's assessment, with a score of 6.43 on a scale of 0 to 10. India ranks lower than Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nepal among South Asian countries. Between 2008 and 2018, we made no progress on the rule of law. Religious liberties fell from 6.7 to 5.0 over the same time period, while identity and relationship freedom fell from 7.5 to 5.7.
To me, independence is an unbroken expanse of light, beauty, and limitless potential. It is always present, just like the sky. It, like the sky, is both universal and specific, and it is always worth watching. It changes throughout the day, and my slice of sky can turn black and thunderous while remaining blue for another citizen in another town. Despite this, the sky is made of the same materials everywhere. While part of the British empire, most Indians were legally free. Many started their own businesses, joined the army or civil service, or travelled to Europe to study. Many of our freedom fighters had studied law in the United Kingdom. Some could also declare political allegiance to an Indian prince rather than the British crown. So, what exactly is 'independence'?
Parliament does not grant freedom. Britain had a Parliament, and it passed laws that harmed millions of South Asians. In the early 18th century, India had a 25% share of the global textile trade, but once British traders became "rulers," or "governors," they began imposing trade monopolies, resulting in "the first great deindustrialization of the modern world." Legend has it that weaving looms were smashed in Bengal, and that heavy tariffs were imposed on Indian textile exports while import duties were removed. Similarly, the British shipping industry petitioned Parliament, and the law was changed in 1813, Tharoor writes, so that lighter vessels (which applied to Indian ships) could not sail between the Indian colonies and the United Kingdom. In the year 1814, Similarly, the British shipping industry petitioned Parliament, and the law was changed in 1813, Tharoor writes, so that lighter vessels (which applied to Indian ships) could not sail between the Indian colonies and the United Kingdom.
Farmers were also taxed 'to the maximum extent.' Whereas old elites accepted agricultural produce as payment, the British amended the laws to only accept money, leaving no room for crop failure. This resulted in widespread rural debt and famines. This was accomplished through legal means; in India, the right to collect tax was granted by an act of Parliament.
This is why swaraj (self-rule) was desired. We wanted a government that would be held accountable for the laws it passed. We needed entrepreneurs who didn't send their profits to distant nations. We needed taxes to be spent in the community.
Rule of law, equality before the law, access to justice, personal security, and the right to varied ideas and behaviours are the building blocks of freedom. However, one person's freedom is defendable only if they are not infringing on the rights of others. When one group of individuals infringes on the rights of another, freedom loses its meaning.