Historical Systems of Power, Governance, and Authority - Essay Example

Historical Systems of Power, Governance, and ity Teacher Historical Systems of Power, Governance, and ity India has been ruled by many dynasties and kings. History of India is the narration of one king replacing another, one dynasty dethroning another dynasty. Most recently it got freedom from the clutches of colonial rule of British Empire. Officially British Empire started ruling on India from 1857 and the rule came to an end in 1947. British ruled gave English language, modern Science, Industry, Railway, Political Parties and Voting system to India.

The attitude of British rulers towards Indians fostered Hindu Muslim hatred. Indian nationalism was damaged by the discriminatory policy of British rulers. Undue favor to the Hindus at the start of British rule created lot of doubts and suspicions in Muslims’ mind. The situation changed when the British policy started favoring Muslims at the start of 20th Century. It resulted in fury and anger by Hindu population. Thus policy of British colonist helped them in extending their rule as the focus of Indian population was never on outside rulers instead they were focusing on each other.

British rule also introduced political parties, which gave the impression of power and governance to the local population. This was a good tool to fool Indian population. The reality of political parties became evident when the proposed reforms by Indian political parties were hardly entertained by British parliament. Indian legislative assembly was not independent and could not make rules for itself. In fact all the legislation for India was done by British parliament. British rulers were aware of the fact that it would be difficult for them to rule a huge Indian population therefore they introduced some projects to indulge Indian population in those projects and made them subordinate.

Indian Civil Service Commission, Indian Army and industries were useful tools for the British rulers to run government smoothly. These things also helped in creating a more humane image for the rulers. Indian population reacted both violently and peacefully against British rule. The start of British rule was resisted by an armed effort in 1857. The British still called it 1857 Mutiny. This reaction by local population was brutally suppressed by British rulers. When Indian population realized that it was impossible for them to fight a technological superior rulers they submitted.

It took lot of effort and commitment on the part of Indian population to resist British rule. Indian independence movement in real sense started from late 1930’s with start of Second World War. This was basically a political movement initiated by two political parties. Indian National Congress was fighting for United India, while All India Muslim League was fighting for independent Muslim state on Indian subcontinent. The ultimate goals of both the parties were different but they were agreed on the issue of ending British rule.

Both political parties took on street agitation to force British rulers out of India. They were getting momentum with every passing day and the toll of World War was making British rule weak day by day. At last British rulers agreed to the demands of both political parties and elections were held in order to determine the future of India. These elections resulted in partition of India, as demanded by All India Muslim League. Indian Independence Movement got independence for India but for many the result was bitter one as it divided United India.

Overall this movement was non violent and achieved a big goal of independence. Indians wanted a free state where they could rule according to their own will and wish. They have achieved this goal and are on the path of becoming one of the powerful nations of the world. The leaders of Indian Independence Movement would be happy to see the current status of India in the world. If we compare Indian independence movement with violent revolution of 1917 in Russia then it becomes clear that non violent Indian Independence Movement proves itself more effective.

In fact both these movements are total at opposite poles. On one hand we have Gandhi, who advocated non violence and on the other hand we have like of Stalin and Lenin, who stood for sheer force and violence. The Russian Revolution of 1917 resulted in the ousting of Czar Monarchy. The ultimate goal was betterment of people but after the Revolution millions were killed just to impose the ideals of Marx. In order to make a society according to the ideals of Marx was in the mind of Russian Revolutionists but they failed to achieve the goals as the ideals were too high and people were not apt to achieve those ideals.

Suppression, inequality and violence continued as it was in the Czar Monarchy. Armed forces fought with each other in order to get control of the country. This civil war resulted in the death of millions of people. Tactics of oppression, suppression and coerce force were adopted by Russian Revolutionists. Indian Independence Movement resulted in freedom for Indian Subcontinent and the people of the regions are now reaping the fruits of independence. On the other hand the Russian Revolution of 1917 created chaos and destruction.

The goals thought by the leaders were never achieved by the Revolutionaries of Russia. It can be asserted safely that goals of Indian Independence movement are not fully realized but they seem achievable but the goals of Russian Revolutions were not achieved and now part of history.