How are the origins of India nationalism linked to British rule? How did Indians and British view each other's culture in the 1800s?The British...

To claim that British united India in one country is similar to saying that the British united the 13 separate countries into one united country that fought the American War of Independence.

India had existed as separate country for nearly two thousands of year, united by its geography and its culture. Politically also very large part of India have existed as single empire long before colonization by British. If we want to get too technical, British never ruled over whole of India. There were around 600 independent states within India which were independent kingdoms with which British had entered in to treaties. Also there were territories within India that were under control of countries like France an Portugal.

Of course the spirit of nationalism among Indians which inspired them to free themselves of British rule was very much the result of oppressive rule and insulting behavior of the British.

Also I do not understand in what way British people were more nationalistic than people of other countries. British people had their own share of division and conflict based on religion (Protestants and Catholics), region, economic classes and struggle for power among members of royal families. Most certainly, Indian nationalism did not emulate any part of this kind of nationalism.

No doubt British industry and business exploited Indians with the support of British government. But they also exploited the poor people and industrial workers in UK. It is because of this that British textile labour cheered Gandhi enthusiastically when he visited them during his U.K. visit.

Coming to the British view in 1800's of Indian culture, it is very clear that Britishers were highly prejudiced against Indian culture and people. This was was largely due to arrogance which develops quite naturally in oppressor towards the oppressed. However it is unfortunate that many of the misconceptions and falsehood spread in the past by Britishers about Indian culture and achievements still continues mislead many people in western countries.