Technology and the colonial Punjab impact on society

Abstract

The present study titled Technology and the Colonial Punjab: Impact on Society , examines the impact of technology in the colonial Punjab when introduction and dissemination of western practices and techniques transformed agro and small-scale industries, transportation and communication and daily life requirements. The study begins by tracing the historical journey of science and technology in the world as well as in India. Next, the policies of the colonial Government of India and Punjab for agriculture, industries, transportation and communication and medicine are compared. The study then analyses the modified and new technologies introduced in colonial Punjab in agro-based industries like textiles, oil, sugar and soap, agricultural implements, distilleries, fruit preservation and tea. Next, the methods, processes and machines associated with small scale industries of paper, wood, leather, metal, glass, pottery, cement, and chemicals have been examined. The transformations brought about by the technologies and#8730; associated with new means of transportation and communication like railways and air travel, post and telegraph and radio have been analyzed. The importance of altogether new household and everyday technologies like electricity, bicycle, sewing machine, typewriter, camera, gramophone, film and products of consumption in daily life have been highlighted. The study brings out the impact of the western technologies on the Punjabi society. It underscores the positive as well as negative effects on the economy as well. Notice is also taken of technologies present in pre-British Punjab. The study thoroughly examines new techniques and processes of manufacture and the details of innovations, thereby, making this work a unique and significant of contribution to the history of technology in colonial Punjab. newline