Post Colonial Theory of State - Background, Development, Applications, Issues and More

The Post Colonial Theory of State is a way of studying how colonialism affected the creation and functioning of post colonial states. It looks at how the consequences of colonial rule shaped these states' politics, economy, and society. This theory started in the mid-20th century. At that time, many countries had gained independence from colonial powers. It shows how colonial power structures, cultural imperialism, and economic exploitation still impact post colonial societies. 

The Post Colonial Theory of State is a part of the Political Sciences and International Relations subject in the Mains Optional Paper. In this article, we will discuss the history of Indian colonialism. We will see what happened in India after colonialism and the problems with the post-colonial theory of state.

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What is Post Colonialism?

Postcolonialism is a theoretical framework and academic discipline that emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century, primarily in response to the legacies of colonialism. It encompasses a diverse range of perspectives and approaches, examining colonialism's social, cultural, political, and economic impacts on formerly colonized societies.

Historical Background of Indian Colonialism

British colonization of India began in the 18th century. It began with the establishment of the British East India Company.

• Colonization intensified in the 19th century. This resulted in the direct rule of the British Crown over India.
• The British colonial rule in India was marked by many abuses, including:
  • The British East India Company extracted vast amounts of wealth from India.
  • The British colonial authorities suppressed indigenous languages, religions, and customs.
  • They forced Indian workers to work in low-wage jobs.
• Indian nationalist movements emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They sought independence from British rule. 
  • The struggle for independence was a defining moment in the history of the post colonial state of India.
  • India gained independence in 1947, marking the end of British colonial rule.

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Development in India Post Colonialism

Following are some of the developments that India has undergone post independence:

• Implementation of democratic governance with a written constitution.
• India has experienced significant economic growth since independence. 
  • The GDP per capita increased by more than 10 times since 1947. Many factors, including the Green Revolution, have driven this growth. 
  • Economic liberalization in the 1990s promoted globalization and market-oriented reforms.
• India has made significant progress in industrialization since independence. The manufacturing sector has grown rapidly.
• India has made significant investments in infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, and airports.
• Land reforms were implemented in the post colonial state to address historical injustices.
• Expansion of education and healthcare infrastructure.

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Feminist Analyses of Post Colonial States

• Feminists argue that post colonial states are often patriarchal. This patriarchy is a legacy of colonialism. 
  • Colonialism often undermined traditional forms of female power and authority. 
  • It also introduced new forms of sexism and discrimination. 
• As a result, women in many post colonial states continue to face significant challenges. This includes:
  • limited access to education and employment,
  • high rates of violence and
  • Low levels of political representation.
• Feminists also argue that post colonial states are often characterized by a lack of democracy. A high degree of state repression exists. 
  • This can make it difficult for women to challenge the patriarchal status quo.
• Women's rights movements emerged to challenge patriarchal norms and structures.

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Applications of Post Colonial Theory

Postcolonial theory asserts that individuals in decolonized societies form a postcolonial identity shaped by cultural interactions among diverse identities, including cultural, national, ethnic, gender, and class-based identities. The colonial society hierarchically assigns these identities social power. In postcolonial literature, the anti-conquest narrative delves into the identity politics of subaltern colonial subjects, examining their social and cultural perspectives. This includes their creative resistance against the culture of the colonizer, the complexities introduced by such cultural resistance in establishing a colonial society, the development of postcolonial identity among colonizers, and how neocolonialism actively employs an 'us-and-them' binary social relation to perceiving the non-Western world as inhabited by 'the other'.

Issues with Post Colonial Theory of State

• The theory often oversimplifies the experiences of different post colonial states. It does not consider their unique histories, cultures, and geopolitical situations.
• Some argue that the theory portrays post colonial states as passive victims. It ignores their ability to take independent actions and make decisions.
• The theory focuses on the relationship between post colonial states and their former colonial powers. 
  • It disregards complexities within the states themselves. This might include internal power dynamics, regional conflicts, and others. 
• Post colonial theory often paints a picture of the state as a monolithic entity entirely oppressive.
• The scholars in the West developed the post colonial theory. Hence, it often reflects Western biases. 
  • For example, it often focuses on the experiences of colonized people in Africa and Asia. It may neglect the experiences of colonized people in other parts of the world.
• Post colonial theory often essentializes the experiences of colonized people. This means that it treats all colonized people as if they share a common identity and experience.
  • The postcolonial theory asserts that individuals who have experienced decolonization cultivate a postcolonial identity. 
  • Cultural exchanges among diverse identities would shape this. This includes cultural, national, and ethnic, as well as gender and class-based identities. 
  • These identities are attributed to differing levels of social power within the colonial society.

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