Economic Gain or Social Concern

The British Opium Policy in the Punjab Hill States, 1890-1940

Abstract

The opium trade, a controversial but profitable aspect of the British Empire, has attracted considerable scholarly interest in the history of colonial India. The differing perspectives of British parliamentarians and Indian reformers prompted the British government to establish the Royal Commission on Opium in 1893. The report supported colonial policies and dismissed concerns about the negative impacts of opium. However, it faced criticism from groups that highlighted the harmful effects of the opium trade on public health. The Punjab hill states, known for their significant opium production under both British and native rulers, are often overlooked in discussions about the opium trade. The socioeconomic patterns and challenges surrounding substance regulation in Himachal Pradesh have their roots in the colonial policies introduced in the Punjab hill states. Understanding these historical factors is essential for comprehending the evolution of modern-day Himachal Pradesh. An analysis of British colonial policies reveals a paradox: while the Commission emphasised the benefits of the opium trade, it downplayed the negative impacts on local communities. This paper explores archival records and the interactions between colonialists and reformists, particularly focusing on Kullu in the Kangra District of British Punjab. It assesses British actions related to opium and their subsequent consequences, using the Commission report as a contextual framework.