Activity Overview
The story of imperialism in India is often associated with Gandhi’s campaign of nonviolent protest. However, it is important to understand the process India went through in going from a sovereign kingdom to a part of the British Empire. In this activity, students will create a spider map that answers the question, "How did India become part of the British Empire?”
Students should address the following questions in their analysis:
- What role did the British East India Company play?
- What was the Sepoy Rebellion?
- Why was India considered the “Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire”?
Extended Activity
Students can create a second spider chart that shows how India was able to gain independence. Students may also want to take a closer look at the causes of the Sepoy rebellion, as an example of cultural miscommunication. They can create a T Chart analyzing cause and effect, or a timeline of the events leading to the Sepoy rebellion and the aftermath.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map analyzing how India became a part of the British Empire.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the different events, people, or actions taken.
- Write a summary for each in the description box.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The story of imperialism in India is often associated with Gandhi’s campaign of nonviolent protest. However, it is important to understand the process India went through in going from a sovereign kingdom to a part of the British Empire. In this activity, students will create a spider map that answers the question, "How did India become part of the British Empire?”
Students should address the following questions in their analysis:
- What role did the British East India Company play?
- What was the Sepoy Rebellion?
- Why was India considered the “Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire”?
Extended Activity
Students can create a second spider chart that shows how India was able to gain independence. Students may also want to take a closer look at the causes of the Sepoy rebellion, as an example of cultural miscommunication. They can create a T Chart analyzing cause and effect, or a timeline of the events leading to the Sepoy rebellion and the aftermath.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map analyzing how India became a part of the British Empire.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the different events, people, or actions taken.
- Write a summary for each in the description box.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Imperialism in India
How to facilitate a thoughtful classroom debate on imperialism in India
Encourage respectful discussion by setting clear ground rules for speaking and listening. Explain that debates help students analyze different perspectives and deepen understanding.
Assign roles to represent different historical viewpoints
Divide students into groups and assign each a viewpoint: British officials, Indian nationalists, merchants, or local citizens. Clarify that this helps them empathize with varied perspectives from the historical period.
Provide guiding questions to spark discussion
Distribute open-ended questions such as "Was the British East India Company justified in its actions?" or "How did imperialism impact India's society and economy?" Guide students to use evidence from their earlier spider maps.
Monitor and support the debate process
Circulate around the room to ensure all voices are heard and the debate stays respectful. Offer sentence starters or prompts if students get stuck or conversations stall.
Debrief and connect the debate to learning objectives
Lead a whole-class reflection on what students learned from the debate. Encourage them to share any shifts in their thinking and connect the discussion back to the key themes of imperialism in India.
Frequently Asked Questions about Imperialism in India
How did India become part of the British Empire?
India became part of the British Empire through a gradual process involving the expansion of the British East India Company's control over Indian territories, key events like the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, and direct British government rule established after the rebellion. Over time, economic interests and military power allowed Britain to dominate India politically and economically.
What was the British East India Company's role in India?
The British East India Company started as a trading company but eventually gained political and military control over large parts of India. It managed territories, collected taxes, and built its own army, laying the groundwork for British imperial rule before the British government took direct control.
What was the Sepoy Rebellion and why is it important?
The Sepoy Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising by Indian soldiers (sepoys) against the British East India Company. It was sparked by cultural and religious tensions and is significant because it marked a turning point after which the British government took direct control of India, ending company rule.
Why was India called the 'Jewel in the Crown' of the British Empire?
India was called the "Jewel in the Crown" because it was the most valuable colony in the British Empire, providing extensive resources, wealth, and a large market for British goods, which greatly benefited Britain's economy and global power.
How can students analyze the causes and effects of the Sepoy Rebellion?
Students can analyze the causes and effects of the Sepoy Rebellion by creating a T Chart or timeline. They should list key causes like cultural misunderstandings and economic grievances, then match them to outcomes such as the end of company rule and the start of direct British governance in India.
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