THE LIVES OF INDIAN WOMEN: A STUDY INTO PAST AND PRESENT INFLUENCES OF THE BRITISH RULE ON INDIAN WOMEN IN VARIOUS SECTORS AND INDUSTRIES OF MODERN INDIAN SOCIETY

In the past, British colonialists had a great influence on various sectors of Indian society and began spreading the ideologies of their empire on the rest of the country to impose their power onto Indians for the sake of their own trade, and expansion of land, Western knowledge & beliefs they felt were lacking in India. The British created laws enforcing Westernization that created an obligation for Indians to follow and also abolished some of India's cultural practices that upheld violence and oppression against women, like sati. Through their influence, the British were able to shape modern Indian society, but they created disparities in women's healthcare, beauty standards, education, and roles and responsibilities–all of which were largely motivated by the caste system or class. This research paper delves into the influence of the British on Indian women and girls in healthcare, beauty standards, education, and roles and responsibilities during the colonial era, exploring how those influences still linger in modern Indian society, carrying on these disparities. This research paper proves that being independent of the colonial rule does not separate the country from its previous impact and influence on modern society and shows how the effects of colonialism still linger in modern Indian society.