Colonial Administration

Early Administrative Structure

• By 1856, the conquest of India was complete.

• The main intentions were profit-oriented. They did not care about welfare.

• As a result of the misuse of power and failure of the dual government in Bengal, the British parliament established acts from time to time that laid the base for colonial administration.

• The Regulating Act of 1773:

  • Provisions:

    • The governor of Bengal was promoted to the Governor-General.

    • He was to be assisted by a four-member Council and make decisions with a majority.

    • His role was to supervise the governors of Bombay and Madras.

    • A supreme court was set up in Calcutta for the administration of justice.

  • This act Failed because the powers of the Governor-General and his council were not defined properly.

• The Pitt’s India Act of 1784:

  • Provisions:

    • This was to rectify 1773.

    • A board of 6 members was formed to enhance control over EIC’s government in India.

    • It contained Secretaries of finance & state and 4 privy state councillors.

    • It had the power to appoint the GG.

    • GG had to ask permission from this board before declaring war on native kings or entering treaty terms.

  • This act interfered with the Dual Governance system which continued till 1858.

• The Charter Acts:

  • Charter of 1813:

    • Ended the monopoly trade except tea and opium.

    • Opened Indian trade to all British merchants.

    • 1L was granted annually for education.

  • Charter of 1833:

    • Ended the monopoly trade with Tea in India and general trade with China - ended monopoly trade completely.

    • The presidencies of Madras, Calcutta (Bengal), and Bombay came under the direct control of GG.

    • Abolishment of Slavery

  • Charter of 1853:

    • Introduced a system of open competition through exams for posts.

      (Referred to Civil Services)

    • Still, the discrimination against Indian employees of the company continued for a long time (Reference to Discrimination against Indians).

Pillars of British Administration

• There are 4 main Pillars.

• Civil Services:

  • Lord Cornwallis - Founder of Civil Service in India

  • Banned presents and bribes

  • Arranged good salaries

  • Initially, only people who the directors of the company nominated could join the Civil Services Then it was changed (Charter of 1853).

  • Indians were not allowed to enter the services. A rule was established in 1793 which stated No Indian would be eligible for jobs paying £500 and above.

• Army:

  • Indian Sepoys were a big portion of the company’s army.

  • This number grew with territorial expansion and the company’s success in India.

  • The number of Indian soldier recruits, by the time the conquest of India was complete, was 2,00,000 (aprox.)

  • They were trained in the use of the latest arms.

  • Loyal and Disciplined

  • The army of the indian rulers were unruly and ill-paid and they were trained with ineffective traditional weapons.

  • Did not have the pride of fighting for their own country

• Police:

  • To maintain law and order.

  • Under lord Cornwallis.

  • 1791, An SI is appointed for Calcutta.

  • Cities were under Kotwals.

  • Thanas or Sub-divisions of a district were under Darogas.

  • The hereditary village policeman was a Chowkidar.

  • This system had Corruption and Harrasment, therefore unpopular with the citizens.

  • Here too, Only British officials were qualified for higher posts.

• Judiciary:

  • Before colonisation, people followed laws based on Customs & Traditions.

  • 1793, Bengal Regulation Act - Old Muslim and Hindu customs were written as laws.

  • During Hastings and Cornwallis was the judicial system given a proper shape.

  • Civil and criminal courts, law commission, and Rule of Law was established, ensuring every Indian citizen, irrespective of Caste or Creed was treated with equality.

Discrimination against Indians

• One noticeable feature would be the absence of Indians in responsible offices.

• Their field of employment was down to Darogas, Chowkidars, and Sepoys — Given only Subordinate positions.

• To ensure the growth of British ideas and practices

• It was injustice along with economic exploitation which brought together people in a prolonged struggle for Independence(1947).