British Benevolence, or British Theft?
There was a fascinating article in Al Jazeera, by Jason Hickel, describing recent research on the economics of British colonial power in India.
Agra, one of India’s most famous attractions
The economist Utsa Patnaik calculated “that Britain drained a total of nearly $45 trillion from India during the period 1765 to 1938.”
She used nearly two centuries of data on tax and trade. The British collected taxes from the Indians, their colonial subjects, and then used that tax revenue to “buy” goods from Indians to send to England. The British also exported the purchased goods to other countries, marking up the price.
It was the wealth from Indian products, rice and textiles among them, that allowed Britain to buy from others the products that fueled the growth of British industry.
“Indeed, the Industrial Revolution depended in large part on this systematic theft from India,” the author says.
He concludes, “We need to recognise that Britain retained control of India not out of benevolence but for the sake of plunder and that Britain’s industrial rise didn’t emerge sui generis from the steam engine and strong institutions, as our schoolbooks would have it, but depended on violent theft from other lands and other peoples.”
I recommend the article.
I’m sure similar truths could be found about Nigeria and other former colonies, though India was the largest and the longest-held colonial entity.
Death of a Dear Friend
Dr. Dozie Ikedife was Clem’s friend from the time they were together in secondary school at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS, in Onitsha. He spoke at our wedding.
Clem and Dozie in December 2016 in Nnewi
“Clement is clearing the way for me to become the most eligible bachelor in Lagos!” he said then.
He was my obstetrician for our first son Chinaku. After the Biafran War he stayed in the East. He established a thriving hospital in his home town of Nnewi. We visited him there several times.
For our 50th wedding anniversary celebration he came to Nanka. He spoke about his friend Clement and how wonderful it was to see a marriage last so long and so happily!
Dozie was a strong advocate for Igbo tradition. In 2014 he was president of the Igbo cultural organization Ohanaeze.
At our 50th wedding anniversary, left to right, Clem’s cousin Isaiah, Clem, me, Dozie
He died last week at the age of 85. According to our cousin Christian, Dozie knew he was dying and said goodbye to his children and his wife. He also wrote a directive.
ON THE MARBLE
His children complied and he was buried within twenty-four hours.
His death was widely reported in the Nigerian press the same day he was buried.
https://punchng.com/former-ohanaeze-president-dozie-ikedife-dies-for-burial-today/
Many years ago burial within a day was common Igbo practice.
But in the past decades lengthy preparations have become standard. Mortuaries have become big business. They store bodies while families assemble the funds. People travel from long distances, including overseas, to attend.
There will undoubtedly be a memorial service at some point, maybe even while we are there this holiday season.
Some of family together before Christmas
Family Gathering, and Christmas in Nigeria
This Sunday we had our daughter Beth with her husband and two sons with us. Older son Kenechi’s girlfriend was here too and took the picture for us.
We leave for Nigeria on Friday, arriving Saturday afternoon. It’s harmattan time, so there will be hazy skies and warm temperatures.
We’ll be with our two sons there.
Welcoming the New Year 2018 in Nanka
Our usual New Year’s Eve party in the village actually takes place after the New Year begins and people return from the church service.
I’ll try to get a better picture this year as we enter 2019!
I wish you and yours a happy Christmas and joyous New Year.
The blog will be on vacation until January.
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