Why England Is Rich Today and What It Took from the Indian Subcontinent

England’s historical wealth roots go deep into the colonial era — especially the period of British rule in the Indian subcontinent. They rule Indian subcontinent for 200 years(1757-1947) .They went that subcontinent for business and commerce and took they power by defeating the last independent king of Bangla(Indian subcontinent) named Sirajuddaula. Between the mid-18th century and 1947, the British systematically extracted wealth from India and the broader subcontinent. After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company began extracting massive wealth from Indian rulers, including gold, silver, and other valuables. Economist Dadabhai Naoroji estimated that billions of pounds (in today's value) were drained annually from India to Britain without any equivalent return. They also made exploitation of Agriculture. Indian farmers were forced to grow indigo, cotton, tea, and opium instead of food crops, leading to famines. Systems like the Zamindari system imposed heavy taxes, causing widespread poverty and landlessness. There was Human Exploitation also. Millions of Indians were shipped as indentured laborers to British colonies in the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia under harsh conditions.

While England was on the peak of its success and prosperity, the people of the Indian subcontinent were starving to death. The Indian subcontinent, once one of the richest regions in the world, was systematically impoverished under British rule. Understanding this history is essential for a fuller picture of global inequality and the lasting impacts of colonialism. The wealth extracted from India didn’t just build British palaces and railways — it helped construct the modern British state itself.

Today, England stands as one of the world’s most developed and influential nations. Its capital, London, is a global hub for finance, education, and diplomacy. The country enjoys a high standard of living, modern infrastructure, and global prestige. On the other hand, the Indian subcontinent — comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others — continues to bear the scars of colonial rule. Despite remarkable growth and resilience, these nations still face challenges rooted in the colonial past: economic disparity, political instability, and systemic poverty in some regions. Borders drawn by the British led to partition, displacement, and ongoing tensions that still shape geopolitics today.

Yet, the story isn't one-sided. India has emerged as a major global player . Pakistan and Bangladesh are not far behind. Every nation waged war on poverty and the effects of British rule.

The relationship between England and the Indian subcontinent today is complex. There’s diplomacy, trade, education exchange — and also, growing conversations around reparations, historical justice, and the need to confront uncomfortable truths about the colonial past.

In the Indian subcontinent, the post-colonial journey has been one of rebuilding and reclaiming identity. India, in particular, has seen rapid progress in sectors like information technology, space exploration, medicine, and manufacturing. Bangladesh has emerged as a key player in global textile production, while Pakistan continues to develop strategically and industrially despite challenges. These nations are no longer defined by the colonial shadows, but by the strength and creativity of their people.

England, on the other hand, must deal with its own set of contemporary issues. As it adjusts to a post-Brexit world, it must also come to terms with the legacies of empire, immigration, and identity. The presence of vibrant South Asian communities in the UK — many of whom are descendants of those once colonized — adds another layer to this evolving relationship. These communities make a significant contribution to British politics, culture, and society, transforming a difficult past into a living conversation.

The past cannot be undone, but it can be understood — and perhaps, used as a foundation for a more honest and equitable future. The paths we travel today are shaped by history, but we still have the choice of how to move forward.