“The British had limited social and cultural impact in India up to 1857.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the British had limited social and cultural impact in India up to 1857. Both social and cultural impacts will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to how the British initially demonstrated social aloofness and racial arrogance towards the local populations, but after 1813, they began to transform Indian society. They promoted Western-style education and encouraged the printing press largely to help missionaries spread Christianity. After 1835, English was made the language of instruction. The Charter Acts of 1813 and 1833 introduced some limited social reforms by removing restrictions based on birth and religion. Under Lord Bentinck in the 1830s, the abolition of social customs such as sati and thugee were carried out, but overall, the impact remained limited. Modernization, when it was carried out, was largely to promote colonialism. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.