Scars of past: shadows of imperialism over Indian subcontinent.

Scars of past: shadows of imperialism over Indian subcontinent.

Athar Mudasir 

When we think of British colonialism in India, we often recall political domination, economic exploitation, and the fight for independence. But what we must not overlook is a more insidious and long-lasting impact—the assault on our cultural integrity. The British didn’t just rule India; they reshaped how India saw itself.

Their policies divided communities, devalued traditions, and redefined what it meant to be “modern.” And the effects of those policies still echo through our lives today.

Let me begin with one of the most tragic outcomes—communal division. British colonial strategies—particularly their “Divide and Rule” policy—deepened religious fault lines. They encouraged political separation along communal lines, and these divisions laid the foundation for the violent Partition of 1947. Today, we still witness the fallout—in communal tensions, political polarization, and social unrest that continue to haunt us.

Another deep scar lies in education and language. By elevating English and marginalizing classical Indian languages like Sanskrit, Persian, and Tamil, the British disconnected generations from their philosophical, literary, and scientific heritage. Today, many students grow up knowing Shakespeare better than Kalidasa or Ghalib. While English offers global access, the loss of linguistic connection weakens our cultural roots.

The impact wasn’t limited to ideas—it extended to livelihoods. British goods flooded Indian markets and destroyed indigenous industries and crafts. Entire artisan communities lost not just their income, but their cultural identity. Even today, many of these artisans remain marginalized, and their crafts are treated as souvenirs rather than sacred traditions.

History, too, was rewritten. Colonial narratives portrayed India as chaotic, superstitious, and stagnant. This distorted version of the past was taught in schools, shaping how Indians viewed themselves. Although post-independence efforts have tried to recover our own heroes and voices, these efforts often swing between restoration and revisionism, risking distortion of a different kind.

Lastly, we must talk about institutional elitism. The British left behind a centralized, English-dominated bureaucracy designed to serve the rulers, not the ruled. That legacy remains. For many in rural India, the government still feels remote and bureaucratic systems alien and inaccessible—especially if one does not speak English.

So where does this leave us?

The British imperial project wasn’t just a matter of governance; it was a systematic attempt to reshape the Indian mind. It left us with a fractured identity—one that often feels torn between the traditions of our past and the templates of our colonizers.

But this is not a story of defeat—it is a call to reflection. Indian subcontinent has made enormous strides in reclaiming its voice. Yet, the process of decolonizing our consciousness is far from over. We must continue to engage critically with our past, honor our indigenous knowledge, and foster a more confident, rooted, and inclusive vision of ourselves.

Because cultural freedom is the final frontier of independence—and we are still crossing it. Though the chains are broken but the weight of iron is still over the body.