Advaita

British Arrival and Dutch Control at the Cape When the British first arrived at the Cape, they faced a major hurdle: the territory was already under Dutch control. The Dutch East India Company had established a settlement there, and it was only through a series of conflicts that the British were able to take permanent possession of the area in the early 1800s.

The Colonial Economy and Infrastructure To maintain its status as a great power, Britain relied on a vast colonial network. These colonies served two key purposes: they were a source of raw materials to exploit and a ready market for British-made goods. This economic model drove the development of crucial infrastructure, such as the railway line built from Port Elizabeth. This railway wasn't just for transport; it was a commercial artery used to distribute a catalog of British-made wood and steel products throughout the region, laying the foundation for much of the historical development seen across South Africa today.

The Legacy of Thomas Bain The colonial economy attracted skilled professionals like Thomas Bain, a celebrated road and pass engineer. While he did not receive a knighthood, Bain's work was foundational to developing the Cape's infrastructure. He designed and oversaw the construction of numerous mountain passes and bridges, using local stone and wood. However, the fine details and high-value items, like "Oregon pine doors and steel lights," were not made locally. Instead, they were meticulously crafted in factories in England and shipped to the colony, especially as electricity was being introduced.

​A System of Profit

​The entire process was a well-oiled machine. Orders for these finished products, or "parade packages," were recorded on paper and sent back to Britain. This system ensured a steady annual return, securing a profitable cycle for the homeland and underscoring the transactional nature of the colonial enterprise.

​The Anglo-Boer War and its Aftermath

​As war settled in Europe during the 19th century, specifically the Anglo-Boer Wars, Britain had to scale down its commercial operations. Investment was redirected toward military production to support the war effort. This new reality for the colony was marked by the British implementation of the "scorched earth" policy and the establishment of concentration camps, which had devastating effects on the Afrikaner population.  The policy, which involved burning farms and villages, was aimed at crippling the enemy's ability to wage war, but it also destroyed much of the Afrikaner culture and led to immense suffering.

Forced Reconciliation and Economic Revival After the war ended, Britain was faced with the difficult task of rebuilding and coexisting with the people it had just put in concentration camps. The previous century's legacy of conflict and destruction had to be overcome. Not only did Britain have to befriend the Afrikaners, but it also had to re-engage with them economically to create a functional and profitable society. This period marked a new, complex chapter for the colony, focused on forced reconciliation and the revival of the economy.

Gandhi's Influence on Unification Mahatma Gandhi also played a significant role in this history. As part of a British colony, he brought his teachings to South Africa. Inspired by the philosophy of Advaita, which emphasizes the non-duality of all beings, Gandhi's ideas of unity and shared identity helped a large portion of the South African population come together in opposition to colonial rule. An attempt at a unified country was made, but the complexities of the various cultures and the legacy of the wars meant this was a long and difficult process.