During my lifetime, I endured and watched so much happen with my family as they went through this harsh era. Having been told multiple stories about them at a young age, today I plan to share them ahead to the younger ears of our era. My family was put to test throughout this time period from the old men to young women: it impacted us all. The challenges India faced under Britain's control were unimaginable, but it also led to the birth of my homeland, India. The Mughals had previous control over us, but once they were weakened when the British took over. The British came into India because they saw potential in its plentiful resources with the methodical 

location for the trade of spices, tea, 

cotton, a great variety of silk, and more

that they provided. India then replaced 

North America as the most lucrative 

colony of the British Empire. 

My father had told me stories about how the Mughals lost complete power over India, which the British acknowledged as an opportunity to extend further control of the land, however, France also maintained control over some smaller portions of the country. My great uncle lived nearby the battlegrounds and he actually watched the Battle of Plassey which resulted in the British East India Company taking complete control. My great uncle watched as the power left France and India continued to have larger powers have control over them. India slowly 

became a dominant asset to the

 British economy. My great 

uncle watched, disappointedly, 

as the nation slowly lost itself 

in the midst of British and 

its influence.

Back in the day, my great-grandpa was a farmer. Britain utilized vast commercial and financial opportunities within the region. India was a major supplier of different raw materials for British industries and trade, however, Britain exploited India by buying goods at a cheaper value, resulting in an overall loss for the farmers in India. My great-grandpa earned very little for all the hard work he put in each day. Furthermore, Britain's raised taxes and the decreased demand for natural resources in India resulted in the loss of revenue, which led to famine and created a stronger dependence on Britain for the Indians. Britain traded India's resources internationally and gave the 

proceeds to the colonial empire as 

opposed to those in India such as my 

great grandfather who gradually 

lost more than they he gained and a 

lower amount than deserved.

Speaking of my great grandfather, before I was born my great grandparents were some of the first to witness how Britain introduced India to western ideals. The British looked down upon their culture, so instead of embracing their lifestyle, they taught them new ideals. They were introduced to Kabaddi, a contact team sport, and the English education system. Rather than being taught in their native language, they were taught English in their Catholic schools while they followed Hinduism. Speaking of Catholic schools, my father told me about how during the early 19th century Christian missionaries came to India to convert people from Hinduism to Christianity. I can only imagine what a transition that must have been for them. One of the worst parts of their ideals was the weaponry usage. Britian used pig and cow fat to make their bullets. Pig and cow fat! Animals are sacred to us. How are we supposed to fight against the almighty British when they have bullets and we have nothing? Also, they never let Indian’s practice their traditional customs. My grandfather had been told by his mother how she was not allowed to perform sati, an act of a widow throwing herself against her husband's grave. I mean come on! It’s just so aggravating that they feel so full of themselves! Even if it was a rather absurd tradition they should have at least let her stand next to it. Rather than embracing our colorful and unique culture, The British tried to make us assimilate to their lifestyle.