Summary

"An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India" by Shashi Tharoor is a compelling and unflinching examination of British colonialism's impact on India. Tharoor challenges the long-standing, self-congratulatory narrative of the British Raj, dismantling the notion that it was a benevolent force that brought progress and unity to the subcontinent. Instead, he presents a meticulously researched argument that British rule was, in essence, a deeply exploitative and destructive period in Indian history.

The book systematically dissects the economic, political, and social consequences of British rule. Tharoor argues that the British conquest was driven by the East India Company's insatiable greed and lack of principle, leading to the deindustrialization of India, the destruction of its textile industry, and the imposition of crippling taxes. He highlights how resources were systematically drained from India to benefit Britain, leaving the Indian population impoverished and vulnerable to famines.

Tharoor also critiques the claim that the British brought political unity and democracy to India. He contends that India had a long history of centralizing impulses and that the British disrupted existing political institutions while exacerbating social divisions through their 'divide and rule' policies. He argues that the much-touted institutions of a free press, a parliamentary system, and the rule of law were often implemented in a biased and discriminatory manner, serving the interests of the colonizers rather than the colonized.

Furthermore, the book addresses the famines that ravaged India under British rule, pointing out that these were not simply natural disasters, but rather the result of deliberate policies that prioritized British interests over the welfare of the Indian population. Tharoor also examines the system of indentured labor and the brutal suppression of dissent, highlighting the racism and callousness that characterized British rule.

While acknowledging that there were some positive by-products of British rule, such as the introduction of railways and the English language, Tharoor emphasizes that these were ultimately intended to serve British interests and that their benefits to India were limited. He argues that the moral barrier between the colonizers and the colonized, the persistent exploitation, and the denial of opportunities far outweighed any potential benefits.

In the end, "An Era of Darkness" serves as a powerful indictment of British colonialism, challenging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about a period that continues to shape the world today. Tharoor urges for an honest reckoning with the past, emphasizing the need for atonement and a recognition of the deep wounds inflicted by imperial rule.