Introduction: Cultural and Emotional Ties Between Indians and the British vs. Americans

India, as a former subject of the British Crown, has experienced a unique relationship with both the British and American cultures. This article explores how Indians historically and currently relate more emotionally and culturally with the people of England compared to the United States, drawing from historical and contemporary contexts.

Historical Influences: The British Crown and Its Impact

For nearly 200 to 300 years, India was ruled under the British Empire. This imperial relationship profoundly shaped the mindset and cultural practices of the Indian population. Even after independence, the echoes of British influence could be seen in various aspects of Indian society, including the way the English language was spoken and written.

A notable example of this can be seen in a video featuring 20-year-olds from India in 1967. Their speech and mannerisms demonstrated a clear British influence, despite India's independence. This suggests that the British Empire had a lasting impact on the Indian psyche, making people relate more to their former rulers in a cultural and emotional sense.

Globalisation and the Rise of American Culture

Since the mid-twentieth century, globalization and Americanisation have transformed many aspects of Indian culture. Today, the United States has a significant influence on Indian daily life, particularly among the younger generation. This influence can be seen in various areas like fashion, media, and even language.

For instance, while many Indians still write and read English with a British flavour, such as the spelling of colour instead of color, their day-to-day communication with English borrowing American idioms and accents. This shift can be attributed to the widespread access to American media, films, and entertainment.

The Evolving Relationship

While the British had a profound cultural imprint, the contemporary relationship between Indians and Americans is more pronounced. Many older Indians, including grandparents and great-grandparents, may have a stronger emotional and cultural connection to the British due to the Imperial past. This is evident in nostalgia for British values, literature, and even accents.

However, in the present, younger Indians tend to idolize American culture. From music and movies to industries and lifestyles, American culture influences a significant portion of Indian daily life. This shift can be attributed to the pervasive presence of American media in India and the diaspora influence from Indian Americans.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act of Cultural Identities

While Indians relate emotionally and culturally more to the British because of the historical context of colonial rule, the present reality is that many Indians connect more with the Americans due to globalization and the Americanisation of their daily lives. This evolution shows a dynamic and complex interplay of cultural identities and affiliations across generations.

The lasting impact of British culture in India, however, cannot be overlooked. It continues to shape certain aspects of the Indian cultural psyche, while the influence of American culture is growing in more contemporary areas.