Examine the British reaction to the escalating nationalist movement, including the implementation of repressive measures and reforming initiatives.
Model Answer The Revolt of 1857 led to significant changes in the British administration and army in India, reflecting the British government's response to the rebellion and its efforts to maintain control. Changes in the Administration Transfer of Power: The Government of India Act, 1858, marked thRead more
Model Answer
The Revolt of 1857 led to significant changes in the British administration and army in India, reflecting the British government’s response to the rebellion and its efforts to maintain control.
Changes in the Administration
- Transfer of Power:
The Government of India Act, 1858, marked the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown. Queen Victoria was declared the sovereign of British India, and the administration was now to be overseen by a Secretary of State for India, supported by a Council. The Governor-General of India, now titled Viceroy, continued to administer the country (source: Government of India Act, 1858). - Provincial Administration:
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 brought decentralisation to the provincial level. It established Legislative Councils in major provinces like Bombay, Madras, and Bengal, which helped distribute authority across local governments (source: Indian Councils Act, 1861). - Local Bodies and Public Services:
Following the financial strains of the revolt, the British promoted local governance through Municipalities and District Boards. Additionally, the Indian Civil Service, previously an exclusive British institution, was opened to Indians, allowing them to take competitive exams for administrative posts (source: administrative reforms after 1857).
Changes in the Army
- Increased Role of Europeans:
To prevent future uprisings, the British restructured the army, increasing the proportion of European soldiers. European troops were placed in key military positions, especially in artillery, tanks, and armoured corps, which were kept under European control (source: army reorganisation after 1857). - Divide and Rule:
The British adopted a “divide and rule” strategy in recruiting Indian soldiers, focusing on caste, religion, and regional differences to prevent unity among the Indian troops. They introduced caste-based regiments and communal companies, ensuring the army remained divided and loyal to British interests (source: army recruitment policies post-1857).
These reforms made the British rule more autocratic, suppressing Indian aspirations for power-sharing. Ultimately, this approach contributed to the rise of modern nationalism among the educated Indian middle class.
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British Response to the Growing Nationalist Movement: A Review Introduction: The British response to the growing nationalist movement in India was a combination of reformist policies and methods of repression. The British government aimed to pacify the nationalist movement and maintain their coloniaRead more
British Response to the Growing Nationalist Movement: A Review
Introduction:
The British response to the growing nationalist movement in India was a combination of reformist policies and methods of repression. The British government aimed to pacify the nationalist movement and maintain their colonial control over India.
Reformist Policies:
The British government introduced various reformist policies to address the grievances of the Indian people and pacify the nationalist movement. These included:
Methods of Repression:
The British government also employed various methods of repression to crush the nationalist movement. These included:
Recent Examples: