India Flashcards
Key points in Indian rebellion
Sepoys took control of many northern cities after turning on and killing many British officers….
Massacre of 200 British women and children and Cawnpore caused outrage in Britiain - the people wanted blood
70,000 sent to India to stop it
Britain were brutal to Indians blowing many up
One cause of Indian rebellion
Use of pig cartilages on guns going agains Indians religion
Results of Indian rebellion
East India Company control ended
TotalBritish rule from now on
British adopt a policy of appeasement with the powers of Old India – Indian rulers had prestige restored
Sepoy units more closely supervised and sepoys treated with greater respect
How did rebellion change British control in India
A viceroy appointed to replace east India company
The people of India were promised their rights by Queen Victoria under this Act. Complete freedom of religion was ensured and gradual participation in the administration of the country was also proclaimed.
Pardon was given to all the Indians except those who had killed British people.
Administration of the British Raj
Legal systems favoured whites but Indians where treated with more respect after the mutiny….
Native troops mixed to prevent unity
Education extension -only privileged few could benefit
What was the reality for many Indians after the change in rule
Many Indians saw little tangible evidence of much change from rule by the East India Company
Ultimately British can say they will treat Indians with more respect but actually doing so in another matter
Only higher members of Indian society saw any change
Administration of India up to 1914
Viceroy continue to rule with mainly unrestrained power
Indian civil service (we’ll respect job to be part of) continued to ensure India was secure and profitable
Indian Civil Service adopted a ‘divide and rule’ policy where they took advantage of the divisions caused by their unbalanced education systems - maybe to stop another mutiny?
Who was George Curzon
Viceroy of India 1899 - 1905
Believed in moral duty of Empire
Worked to strengthen British India, improve administration, agriculture and the defence of India (eg Imperial Cadet Corps)
Had a dim view of the Indian people and was wary of giving them too much power
Mindful of the criticism and growing influence of the Indian National Congress
Divided Bengal in a bid to further British control but this backfired and he was forced to resign
Division of Bengal responsible for the emergence of a more powerful brand of Indian Nationalism (eg All India Muslim League)
What does George Curzon do that gets him fired and is not helpful for Britain
Divides Bengal to further British control but it backfires
What did viceroy minto do
Wanted to appease Bengalis (Morley-Minto reforms)
27 Indians elected to Viceroy’s council to make laws
Greater Indian participation in government
Further reforms in 1910 gave more seats to Indians to play a greater role on provincial government
What did viceroy Hardinge do
Reunited Bengal in 1911
Moved capital to Delhi to undermine revolutionary Hindu groups
George V visit attempted to consolidate control and ensure loyalty Durbar 1911
Declaration of war on India’s behalf was met with tacit approval (with hope of a ‘new deal’ once war finished)
