Intellectual History Commons^™

Working Paper No. 02, Marx On British Colonialism In India, Lauren Sweger-Hollingsworth

Working Papers in Economics

This inquiry seeks to establish that Karl Marx offers a penetrating understanding of British colonialism in India. Marx emphasizes that England essentially leveled the entire foundation of Indian society, separating India from its ancient traditions and history, destroying the basis for the regions agriculture, and undermining their manufacturing industries. The Court of Directors, under the authorization of the Crown, appointed the government of India. The administration allocated the country to the highest bidder, cost Indian citizens large sums of money each year, and perpetuated its abuses. Furthermore, the system of taxation was onerous and more oppressive than any other in …