• First shown in October 2001

Contrary to popular misconception that the British empire spread prosperity and advancement around the world, in reality many of the countries it colonised had thriving economies and cultures of their own. No country exemplifies this more than India.

Historian Maria Misra explores the hidden origins of Britain's relationship with India from the 17th century, which was built on equality and respect before being tainted by the religious zealotry and imperial ideology which was the Raj. This website places the interaction into the context of trade and politics and shows the myriad ways that India has suffused the English lifestyle.