India's Wildest Dream
The Great War raised hopes of Indian independence, but it would take another conflict to make it a reality.
The war saw Indians provide huge support to the Allies, but they also expected something in return. India gave money and sent more than 1.1 million personnel, including 138,000 to Europe and more than 800,000 to the Middle East, where they played a crucial role in dismantling the Ottoman Empire. They helped conquer Iraq (for a time the rupee was the currency in that country), made a vital contribution to Allenby’s victory in Palestine and prevented East Africa from falling to the Germans. India also provided over 170,000 animals and 3.7 million tons of supplies and stores. Indians won 11 VCs and more than 60,000 troops died, in addition to many lascars and seamen.
Yet at the same time other Indians were demanding Home Rule, echoing the situation in Ireland. Like the Irish, there were a few, fairly small groups willing to take to the gun and the bomb, though no Indian equivalent of the 1916 Easter Uprising.
Such a division neatly reflected the divisive system the British operated in India. Unable to believe that all Indians were capable of being soldiers, the British had divided Indians into martial and non-martial races.
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