148 - Colonial Justice and the Rule of Law White Violence and Its Legacy (c. 1757-1947 CE) (S10E13)

This episode explores the British legal system in India, focusing on colonial justice, racial discrimination, and the imposition of Western legal norms. The discussion begins by setting the scene in the late 1700s, highlighting the East India Company's initial lack of understanding of Indian society and their attempts to impose Western legal ideas. The episode examines the Cornwallis Code of 1793 and its impact on land ownership, particularly the introduction of the Zamindari system and the dispossession of many traditional landholders.The episode then delves into the issue of racial discrimination within the legal system and how it fueled resistance among Indians. The various forms of resistance, including legal challenges, the creation of parallel legal institutions based on traditional Panchayats, and the rise of social movements, are explored. The episode concludes by examining the lasting legacy of colonial justice on independent India, including the challenges of decolonizing the legal system and the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable society.