'Prosperous' British India: A Revelation from Official Records by William Digby, first published in 1901 and reprinted by Sagar Publications in 1969, is a seminal critique of British colonial rule in India. The book systematically dismantles the myth of India’s prosperity under British administration by meticulously analyzing official government statistics and records. Digby, a British journalist and humanitarian, leverages his access to official data to expose the stark realities of economic decline, widespread poverty, and the devastating impact of colonial policies on Indian society during the second half of the nineteenth century.

'Prosperous' British India was groundbreaking for its time, as it was among the first works to use the British government’s own records to indict colonial policies. By imprinting the actual declining per-capita income statistics in gold on the spine of the book, Digby made a powerful statement about the stark reality behind official propaganda. His work provided Indian nationalists and reformers with empirical evidence to support their demands for political and economic reforms.

1. Economic Decline and ImpoverishmentDigby uses official statistics to demonstrate that, contrary to British claims, India’s per capita income fell sharply under colonial rule. He highlights the increasing impoverishment of the masses and the widening gap between the British rulers and Indian subjects.The book documents the systematic extraction of wealth from India, often referred to as the “drain of wealth,” which left the country economically debilitated and dependent on Britain.2. Famines and Catastrophic DisastersA central theme is the rising frequency and severity of famines in British India. Digby argues that these were not merely natural disasters but were exacerbated, if not caused, by colonial policies such as exploitative taxation, export-oriented agriculture, and inadequate relief measures.He supports his claims with data showing increasing death tolls and suffering during these crises, directly linking them to British mismanagement and neglect.3. Governance, Taxation, and Social ConditionsThe book offers a detailed analysis of British administrative practices, particularly the oppressive land revenue system and heavy taxation, which forced peasants into debt and destitution.Digby exposes the disparities in governance, showing how policies favored British interests at the expense of Indian well-being, undermining traditional economic and social structures.4. Debunking Colonial MythsDigby challenges the narrative of British benevolence and civilizing mission, arguing that the supposed prosperity was a façade masking deepening poverty and social stagnation.He meticulously references official inquiries and reports to debunk prevailing myths and highlight the reality of exploitation and degradation.

The book played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on colonialism and its impact on India. It exposed the hollowness of British claims of progress and prosperity, fueling nationalist sentiment and intellectual resistance to colonial rule. Digby’s detailed documentation and passionate advocacy for Indian welfare resonated with both Indian and British audiences, prompting critical reflection on the ethics and consequences of imperialism.

On India:Digby’s revelations helped galvanize the Indian independence movement by providing factual ammunition against colonial apologists. His work was cited by Indian leaders and reformers in debates about self-governance and economic justice.The exposure of the “drain of wealth” theory influenced subsequent generations of Indian economists and historians, shaping the narrative of colonial exploitation that became central to the freedom struggle.On British Society:The book challenged the conscience of liberal and humanitarian circles in Britain, some of whom began to question the morality of the empire and advocate for reforms.It contributed to a growing body of literature that critiqued imperialism and called for a reassessment of Britain’s role in India and other colonies.

'Prosperous' British India remains a landmark in the historiography of colonial India. William Digby’s rigorous analysis and use of official records exposed the economic and humanitarian costs of British rule, challenging dominant narratives and providing a voice to the voiceless millions suffering under imperial policies. The book’s legacy endures in its insistence on empirical truth and its unflinching critique of exploitation, serving as a foundational text for understanding the realities of colonialism and the roots of modern India’s socio-economic challenges.