Impact of British Rule on Socio-Economic Conditions of Burdwan District During Colonial Period

The establishment of British authority had huge and long term impact on socio-economic and political lives of the people of India in general and Bengal in particular. Burdwan was one of the important districts of Bengal proper which also experienced the same kind of changes as an impact of British rule with minor variations to that of the other districts of Bengal. During 19th century, the district was comprised of six sub- divisions out of which Budbud and Raniganj sub-divisions experienced the process of industrialization with the establishment of ‘Coal industry’ at Raniganj and ‘Bengal Iron Works Company’ at Kulti in Burdwan. Burdwan Sadar, Katwa and Kalna Sub-divisions were mainly dependent on cultivation which were agriculturally developed sub-divisions in terms of crop productions. The district also experienced the cultivation of Indigo and the export of indigo production. Burdwan district was comparatively better cultivated and economically developed than the other districts of Bengal during the period of study.