This statement is True.
The British continued to rule India till the 20th century. Several systems were set in place under British rule in India. Some of the social reforms were also possible because of British policies. Let us look at some consequences of colonialism in India which had a significant impact on Indian society
Education: The British set up a system of education that had a far-reaching impact on Indian society. The medium of instruction in the high school communication among the learned people now became English, schools, and colleges were open to all individuals, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, etc.
The content of education was secular – which included subjects like Mathematics, Science, Philosophy, Sociology, History, etc.
This led to the rise of a new class of intelligentsia, who were of Indian origin but trained in ‘Western’ values, customs, and practices. Some of them played a significant role in the reform movements.
New values like rationality, equality, social justice, secular approach, and individualism gained firmer ground in Indian society.
Culture: Many of the educated elite took to the lifestyle of the British with respect to food habits, dressing, customs mannerisms, attitudes, beliefs, language, sports, and entertainment, etc., M. N. Srinivas referred to this process of imitation of the British, as ‘westernization’.
Administration: The British started new systems of administration like the Economic Service, Education Service, Revenue Service, and Administrative Service. It was the English educated Indians who entered the administrative services to assist the British rulers in governing the land and its people.
A new judiciary system was created, which took into consideration the earlier legal traditions of the Indian communities. However, its implementation was carried out on a secular basis; each individual was judged on an equal basis, irrespective of one’s caste and creed.
The Indian Councils Act, The Indian High Court Act, and The Indian Civil Service Act of 1861, all led to major changes in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial administration of India.
