What we know re. inequality in colonized societies is that inequality was very high.
And not only that, but that inequality was often pushed to the maximum feasible level (compatible with the survival of society).
See my paper: stonecenter.gc.cuny.edu/files/2018/11/…
And not only that, but that inequality was often pushed to the maximum feasible level (compatible with the survival of society).
See my paper: stonecenter.gc.cuny.edu/files/2018/11/…
The graph below shows the Inequality Possibility Frontier (IPF) = highest feasible inequality (thick line), and actual ineq level in pre-industrial societies (dots). 
Many colonies (Nueva Espana, Mexico 1790; Maghreb 1880; Kenya 1914, 1927; Bihar (India) 1807; India 1938) lie on the thick IPF line. These countries pushed inequality to the max.
The main cause of high ineq were extremely high incomes of colonizers (compared to natives).
E.g. in Tonkin 1929 (N Vietnam), average inc of Europeans was ~1300 piastres; others=55 (24 to 1).
In Kenya, 1914 European public sector: 6500 shillings; African farmers 81 (80 to 1).
E.g. in Tonkin 1929 (N Vietnam), average inc of Europeans was ~1300 piastres; others=55 (24 to 1).
In Kenya, 1914 European public sector: 6500 shillings; African farmers 81 (80 to 1).
Europeans in urban Tunisia in 1881: 400;
Arabs in rural Tunisia: 20 (ratio 20 to 1).
Mexico 1790: Spanish 309 pesos;
indigenous peasants 12 (ratio: 26 to 1).
Arabs in rural Tunisia: 20 (ratio 20 to 1).
Mexico 1790: Spanish 309 pesos;
indigenous peasants 12 (ratio: 26 to 1).
You can find more info on the data (obtained from social tables) in the paper above, and also in Milanovic, Lindert and Williamson:
stonecenter.gc.cuny.edu/files/2011/03/…
stonecenter.gc.cuny.edu/files/2011/03/…
A typical colonial distribution (even if not as extremely unequal as in other countries) is shown here (Java 1880).
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