Despite being separated by vast oceans and continents, India and Mexico share a deeply connected colonial past—marked by foreign domination, economic exploitation, cultural suppression, and resilient freedom movements. Colonized by two of Europe’s most powerful empires—Britain in India and Spain in Mexico—both nations witnessed the rise and fall of native civilizations under imperial rule.
This article explores their parallel colonial journeys, from pre-colonial greatness to the lasting impacts of colonization. It offers a closer look at how two distant nations experienced similar patterns of conquest, control, resistance, and ultimately, independence.
Pre-Colonial Civilizations: Advanced Societies Before Colonization
India: A Mosaic of Empires
Before the British arrived, India was home to powerful kingdoms and empires, including the Mughals, Marathas, Rajputs, and southern dynasties like Vijayanagara. These states contributed to a flourishing society with achievements in architecture, science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy. India’s economy was one of the world’s largest, fueled by its exports of textiles, spices, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Mexico: Land of Ancient Civilizations
Similarly, Mexico was the heartland of advanced Mesoamerican civilizations—the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. By the 15th century, the Aztec Empire had built Tenochtitlan, a city that stunned Spanish invaders with its urban planning and engineering. These civilizations excelled in astronomy, agriculture (like chinampas or floating farms), calendar systems, and pyramidal architecture.
Colonial Conquest: How Empires Gained Control
British Rule in India
The British began with the East India Company in the 1600s and expanded their hold using diplomacy, military power, and the divide-and-rule strategy. After the 1857 Revolt, the British Crown took direct control, marking the start of the British Raj (1858–1947).
Key impacts:
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Indian industries like textiles were dismantled.
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Farmers were burdened with high taxes.
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English education and legal systems were imposed.
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India’s economy became dependent on British interests.
Spanish Conquest of Mexico
In 1519, Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico and, within two years, overthrew the Aztec Empire. The Spanish used superior weapons, local alliances, and the spread of diseases like smallpox to gain control.
Key impacts:
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Catholicism was forced on indigenous people.
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Indigenous temples, books, and traditions were destroyed.
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A racial caste system emerged (Peninsulares, Criollos, Mestizos, Indios).
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Native labor was exploited under systems like encomienda and mining slavery.
Economic Exploitation: The Colonizers’ Profits
India: A Rich Land Drained
India, once a global trade hub, was turned into a supplier of raw materials for Britain. Traditional industries like handloom weaving collapsed under the pressure of cheap British imports. Infrastructure like railways was built primarily to extract resources, not benefit Indians.
Farmers were forced to grow cash crops such as indigo, cotton, and opium, leading to environmental damage and food shortages. The Bengal Famine of 1943, which killed millions, exposed the deadly cost of British policies.
Mexico: Mining Wealth, Indigenous Suffering
Mexico became a silver goldmine for Spain, especially in areas like Zacatecas and Guanajuato. The Spanish exploited local labor, relocated entire communities, and handed large estates (haciendas) to colonists. Native lands were seized, and wealth flowed to Europe while inequality grew at home.
Cultural Suppression and Indigenous Resistance
Religious Conversion and Identity Loss
Colonizers attempted to erase native cultures:
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In India, Christian missionaries belittled local religions, especially Hinduism and Islam.
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In Mexico, Catholicism was violently enforced, indigenous gods were erased, and churches were built on temple ruins.
Cultural Resistance and Adaptation
Despite pressure, resistance took root:
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In India, reformers like Swami Dayanand (Arya Samaj) and Raja Ram Mohan Roy (Brahmo Samaj) sparked a social and cultural revival, later echoed in Gandhiji’s philosophies.
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In Mexico, native spirituality survived by blending with Catholic rituals. This gave rise to unique traditions like Día de los Muertos, which honors ancestors through pre-Hispanic and Christian customs.
Movements for Freedom and National Awakening
India: Decades of Organized Resistance
India’s freedom movement had multiple phases and ideologies:
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The 1857 Revolt was the first mass resistance.
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The Indian National Congress and Muslim League pushed for self-rule.
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Leaders like Gandhi (non-violence), Nehru (socialism), and Subhash Chandra Bose (militant nationalism) led the charge.
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India gained independence on August 15, 1947.
Mexico: From Independence to Revolution
Mexico’s journey also included armed struggle and reform:
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The Mexican War of Independence (1810–1821) was led by Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos.
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Post-independence, Mexico endured foreign invasions (by the U.S. and France) and internal power struggles.
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The Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) fought for land reforms, peasant rights, and equality under leaders like Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa.
Post-Independence Realities and Challenges
Even after freedom, both countries faced long-term struggles rooted in colonial rule:
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Poverty, illiteracy, and economic inequality persisted.
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Corruption, authoritarianism, and foreign debt slowed progress.
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Social hierarchies based on caste (India) and race (Mexico) still impact modern society.
Yet, both nations have made major progress:
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Promoting education, industrial growth, and cultural revival.
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Reclaiming national identity and playing active roles in global forums like the G20 and United Nations.
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Leading voices among developing nations in pushing for fairer global systems.
Conclusion: Two Nations, One Colonial Thread
India and Mexico, though on different continents and colonized by different empires, share a deeply parallel colonial experience. Both were once flourishing civilizations, brought to their knees by imperial greed, but ultimately reclaimed their freedom through courage, sacrifice, and national unity.
Their histories highlight not just the destructive impact of colonization, but also the unbreakable human spirit. Understanding these shared struggles helps us appreciate the global nature of colonialism, its ongoing legacy, and the importance of preserving indigenous cultures that once resisted with pride and continue to thrive with resilience.
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