Why is British imperialism in India in the 1800s called the knife of sugar?

British imperialism in India could be considered as a good or bad thing, depending on who’s viewpoint a person takes. From the British viewpoint, imperialism seems mostly positive. The British now have colonies that can supply materials for them, so the British became interested in mercantilism. This mercantilism meant that Britain could get materials cheaply from their colonies and make them into something they could sell for a higher price, increasing their profit. It could be said that, because the British saw imperialism and mercantilism as a way to increase their profits, they were biased, but some Indians also saw imperialism as a good, prosperous thing for their country. Romesh Dutt, an author from India, says that “Englishmen… have given the people of India the greatest human blessing- peace” (Doc 3). The British introduced Western education, modernized Indian views on science, life, and thought, improved their laws, and established courts of justice for India. The transportation was improved, the quality of life increased, many cities became industrialized, and means of communication were further developed. The British also put an end to many harsh Indian practices such as slavery and infanticide as well as increasing the value of their export trade. Because of the British relief work, “famines have…almost disappeared” according to J.A.R. Marriott (Doc 4). In these articles, there seems to be little bias, if any.
In contrast, many Indians felt that British imperialism was a bad thing. They felt the British raj was unjust. Mohandas Gandhi, a leader who fought for the independence of India, says that the English “[gave them] no responsibility in [their] own government” (Doc 6). Many native Indian industries, such as ship building, metalwork, and glass were destroyed for British industries because they may not have been as profitable or necessary for the British. Gandhi also says that the British “[took] away [their] money” and that they “[behaved] insolently towards [the Indians] and [disregarded their] feelings” (Doc 8). Gandhi became a major activist for the Indian Independence Movement, leading to Indian Independence in 1947. Although these articles are somewhat biased, the problems of imperialism could not be ignored. That being said, every problem seemed to come with some kind of benefit. Dadabhai Naoroji, an Indian, describes it as “‘the knife of sugar’… there is no oppression, it is all smooth and sweet, but it is a knife, nevertheless” (Doc 2).
Source – The Knife of Sugar: British Imperialism in India
First serious study to the impact of British rule on India was carried out by Dadabhai Naroji. Indians had accepted the British rule at face value. British administration tried to bring reforms but the objectives were limited.
1. To carry on White Man’s burden to civilize the natives
2. To generate resources to serve the British economy.
The British tried to bring many reforms to the social customs prevalent at that time – child marriage, widow remarriage, sati, etc. They also introduced a common criminal code to replace the criminal justice system which was based on religion.
These actions, although intended to establish British racial supremacy by reforming the natives, was accepted by some upper class members of the society who were against such evils (evils against humanity as they called them).
This reformist zeal only lasted till 1857. The first war of Indian independence shook the foundations of British rule and after that they concentrated on consolidating their economic and political interests only.
To generate the resources for the British economy , the British administration had to increase the efficiency. So they carried out meticulous land surveys and established land revenue systems to increase the land revenue. They developed infrastructure – ports, railways, telegraph, postal system, steam engines, etc.
The intention was to – consolidate their hold on the continent, push the boundaries of the colonial state, convert India into a provider of raw materials for British industries and a market for finished British goods.
The outcomes were diverse-

Due to better connectivity, India started coming together and the process of transformation of local battles against British oppression started to take the form of a pan India struggle for independence.
British administrative structures were used by the Indians for furthering Indian interests and this experience reinforced the parliamentary system of democracy that India has today.
Discriminatory British policies destroyed Indian industries and commercialized Indian agriculture. This caused regular famines and large hunger deaths.
British policies caused the general decline of Indian arts and crafts industry and weapons manufacturing industry. A large number of formerly employed soldiers lost their livelihood after British conquest of Indian rulers.
Wealth generated from India was used to further British interests and further exploit India. This was clearly articulated by Dadabhai Naroji is his theory of drain of Indian wealth.
Every problem seemed to come with some kind of benefit, thus, Dadabhai Naoroji described it as “‘the knife of sugar’… there is no oppression, it is all smooth and sweet, but it is a knife, nevertheless”.

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