As an expert in cultural and religious studies, I have a deep understanding of the historical and religious significance of holidays across different societies. When it comes to the designation of Sunday as a holiday, it's a complex issue with roots in both religious tradition and secular law. Let's delve into the history of this practice, particularly focusing on the British influence in India as you've mentioned.
Sunday has been observed as a day of rest and worship in many cultures, predominantly due to its association with Christianity. According to Christian belief, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day, which is Sunday. This narrative from the Bible has played a significant role in shaping the observance of Sunday as a day of rest and worship.
The British, with their strong Christian heritage, have a long history of observing Sunday as a day of rest. The concept of Sunday as a holiday was deeply ingrained in British society, and as the British Empire expanded, they often sought to impose their cultural practices on the territories they governed. This included the establishment of Sunday as an official holiday.
In the context of India, which was under British colonial rule for a significant period, the British government did indeed take steps to make Sunday an official holiday. However, this was not an immediate imposition but rather a gradual process that unfolded over a decade. The British aimed to align the Indian legal and social framework with their own, which included the recognition of Sunday as a day free from labor and commerce, allowing for religious observance and rest.
The rationale behind this move was multifaceted. It was not solely about religious adherence but also about maintaining a sense of order and control within the colonial administration. By establishing a common day of rest, the British could ensure a uniformity of operation across their empire, facilitating governance and the smooth running of colonial affairs.
It's important to note that while the British influence was significant, the practice of Sunday as a holiday was not unique to them. Many other countries and cultures have their own traditions and reasons for observing Sunday or another day as a day of rest. For instance, in Judaism, the Sabbath is observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, while in Islam, Friday is a day of congregational prayer and is often observed as a half-day or holiday in many countries.
The establishment of Sunday as a holiday in India is a reflection of the complex interplay between religion, culture, and colonial policy. It's a practice that has been shaped by historical events and continues to evolve in response to societal changes and the diverse religious beliefs of the Indian population.
Now, let's translate the above discussion into Chinese.

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It took the British government a decade long on making Sunday an official holiday in India as was the case in Britain. The story behind it is - According to Christianity God created the world in 6 days and on the 7th day he took rest i.e. Sunday.Apr 2, 2018read more >>