Abstract

Colonial rule in India represents one of the most defining periods in the subcontinent’s socio-economic political and cultural transformation. The British colonial administration introduced new systems of governance economic structures legal frameworks and educational models that fundamentally reshaped Indian society. While colonial rulers justified their presence through the ideology of civilizing mission their governance mechanisms resulted in significant exploitation social restructuring and cultural disruption. This research explores how colonial administrative interventions altered agrarian relations created class hierarchies redefined caste identities expanded modern education and reshaped gender norms. It examines the long-term impact of colonial policies on the Indian economy through land revenue settlements commercialization of agriculture deindustrialization and integration into global markets. At the same time it highlights how colonial modernity facilitated new forms of pol