IV
IMPERIALIST WARS—AT INDIA'S
EXPENSE
We shed our blood and paid for our own enslave-
ment. Since then we have been fighting Britain's
wars in order that she may be powerful enough to
keep us in slavery. It is evidently the most immoral
aspect of all imperialisms.
The Committee appointed by the Indian National
Congress in 1931 to scrutinise the financial transactions
of the East India Company and the British Govern-
ment in India and the so-called public debt of India
came to the conclusion that enormous war charges
have been unjustifiably debited to India.
Year. Subject of claim Amount
(in Crores of Rs,)
Prior to 1857 External wars of the E. I. Cos. 35 \ sn i*>
Interest on Go's capital 15 >12J w *1-
1857 Cost of Mutiny 40,0
1874 Interest on E. L Coy's, capital 10.08"!
Redemption of the Capital stock > 22.08
of the E. I. Coy. 12.00J
1857-1900 Cost of External wars. 37.5
1914-1920 European War gift 189 \ 359.0
Cost. 170 J
1857-1931 Miscellaneous charges 20 \ 102.0
In respect of Burma 82 J
1916-1921 Reverse Council losses 35.0
Premium paid to Rly Cos. on 1
acquisition by the State / 50.0
1916-21 tyst of Strategic Railways. 33.0
Total Rs. 728.7