How Did the British Use ‘Manliness’ To Control Indians?

How did British colonisers use ‘manliness’ to assert control over native Indians in the 19th century? Dr. Sikata Banerjee, political scientist at University of Victoria, explains.

'In Perspective' is our series where academics walk us through lesser known histories and narratives from South Asia.

Credits:
Featuring: Dr. Sikata Banerjee
Editor: Bavana Gone
Producer: Anahita Sachdev
Art Director: Neha Shekhawat
Creative Director: Shrishti Malhotra

[ThePACTenor]

Lovely video. Have been thinking about the role of masculinity in colonialism recently, and am looking forward to acquainting myself with the work of Dr. Sukata Banerjee and others as I go down this rabbit hole. :)

[sayandeepkanjilal]

Bengalis have a chaotic mind. Most number of revolutionaries were from Bengal much more than Punjab or anywhere in India. On the other hand Sikhs, Rajputs, Marathas being martial races had more discipline and constraint. In post independence era (CPIM times) we have seen many cases of political violence in Bengal.

[pranavratra]

Always love to get to know interesting nuggets about the contexts of the Britsh rule in India

[shalinitiwariscorner]

British men couldn't stand against Bengali men, so they labelled them as " weak & effeminate". While they label those Indian men who submitted to the British Crown & joined British forces happily, as the " martial races".

This shows that corrupt men always try to degrade the self-esteem of other men who challenge them & are better than them. But at the same time, they give the " loyal strong hound" status to men who obey them wholeheartedly.

[gampa__]

The world's worst atrocities were Happened only when men tried to show their masculinity, 😕😕😕

[AishInTheHouse]

This was too short... Would love to see a deeper dive into this.

[PokhrajRoy.]

I think everyone should study studies in Masculinity led by Sociology because it’s not just about a narrow definition of men but the ecosystem that surrounds them.

[xech]

It's funny they thought martial tribes(not races or caste) were not rational etc. For example there's a saying about the tribe which I belong to (Jats), that "Never consider a Jat dead until its Tehravi"

[manpreetlakhanpal]

Is there a longer version of this interview somewhere?

[shahbazmansahia]

I find it hilarious that despite their efforts, the strongest left-marxist fronts against the empire also arose in Punjab and Bengal [we have bengalis to thank for the identity of "desi" as it arose from the 'swadesi' movement]

[harveyepstein]

always remember the only group that actually revolted against the british were a so called, "non martial race". In the british concept of martial race the number one factor was wafadari nothing else.

[selfproclaimedsinger]

Interesting concept but makes me think if the importance of "manliness" and masculinity (as a character trait) was also affected by the British. In Ancient India, knowledge was often deemed more powerful. Even though the caste system became problematic, it shows the clear importance of knowledge rather than physical strength. And physical strength gradually became associated as a sign of masculinity and importance. Even physically strong women/ those engaging in fights are called "Mardaani". I think moving forward we need to take the emphasis of traits on genders and make it accessible but also not necessary by making it not an inherent trait. Plus, education is how society progresses, and strength is how they expand. I would think progression trumps expansion in an ideal world. But in reality, both would be great assets with an emphasis on a level of education as the base.

[anushka]

Hey swaddle, please make a video on abortions.

[miura]

Man the followers will really believe that manliness was alien to the subcontinent. Lol

[anirbanghosh]

When others were licking of british boots then benoy badol dinesh were busy on killing police commissioner.
For them mirtial means obedient hound.
Need a big episode on it.

[HimanshuKumar-gfwp]

how should be a perfect society according to you

[honest]

Before India also part in pk 🙄 they're never mention.

[yeelanma]

Our people were not manly thays why they ruled over for 200 years

[armageddovig]

Clickbait tile. Used to a subscriber, but the quality of content of this channel has been deteriorating consistently over time.

[gampa__]

Why the heck she is speaking in American English in an Indian video