Administration of India c1857-1890

• What time period does the study material focus on regarding the administration of India?

  1857 to 1890
• Why is the administration of India significant in the context of Imperial and Colonial policy?


  It was challenged by the Indian Mutiny, impacting governance.
• What was the role of the British East India Company prior to the Indian Mutiny?


  It oversaw the expansion of British control over India.
• When did the British East India Company rule India until?


  1858
• What was the impact of the 1857 Indian Mutiny on the British Empire?


  It led to significant military and administrative changes in India.
• What was established in Parliament in 1858 following the Indian Mutiny?


  The Government of India Act
• Who became the new controller of India after the dissolution of the East India Company?

  Queen Victoria
• What was the role of the Secretary of State for India established in 1858?


  To oversee the administration of India previously managed by the East India Company.
• How many members were in the council appointed to assist the Secretary of State for India?


  15 members
• What were the main areas of policy controlled by the legislative council under the Viceroy of India?


  Finance, law, military, economy, and home affairs.
• What was the time period referred to as the Raj in India?


  1858 to 1948
• What was required to run the Raj effectively?


  A vast amount of staff, including around 3,000 British civil service members.
• Why was the position within the British civil service in India considered prestigious?


  It offered a good salary and high status.
• What were the key changes in the administration of India after the Indian Mutiny?


  • Dissolution of the British East India Company
  • Establishment of direct control by the British government
  • Creation of the Secretary of State for India
  • Formation of a legislative council under the Viceroy
• What were the implications of the Indian Mutiny for British imperial policy?


  • Highlighted the need for stronger control over India
  • Led to the restructuring of governance in India
  • Increased military presence and administrative oversight
• What was the priority of the British government during the Raj period in India?


  To maintain control over India
• What years did the Raj period in India span?


  1858 to 1948
• What significant event began to occur towards the end of the British Empire in India?

  The partition of India
• How many British civil service members were required to run the Raj?


  Around 3,000 members
• Why was the position in the British civil service in India considered desirable?


  It offered a good salary and high status
• What was necessary for the British to maintain control over India?


  Cooperation with the indigenous peoples
• How many nominally independent princely states were there in India?


  565 princely states
• What was the doctrine of laps?


  A princely state would fall under British control when the line of descent ends
• What administrative functions were performed by officials in India?


  Collection of taxation and maintenance of law and order
• What significant legal change occurred when the East India Company merged with the crown?


  A new legal system developed combining English law and the old system
• How did the shift from East India Company rule to Crown rule affect the daily lives of the Indian population?


  It made very little difference in their daily lives
• What political organization was established in India in 1885?


  The Indian National Congress
• What was one of the new responsibilities added to British administration in India after the Indian Mutiny?


  Preventing further mutinies
• What was the impact of the Indian Mutiny on British military policy in India?


  Efforts were made to strengthen the British Indian army
• How many British and native Indian troops were garrisoned in India in the late 1880s?


  Over 70,000 British troops and over 125,000 native Indian troops
• What policy was implemented to prevent native regiments from mutinying?


  Native troops were dispersed across India
• What infrastructure development occurred in India following the Indian Mutiny?


  3,000 miles of track were added
• What did the Indian Mutiny reveal about British control over India?


  It showed the weakness of British control
• How did the British view the importance of India after the Indian Mutiny?


  It bolstered the perception of India's importance to the British Empire
• What were the main administrative functions performed by British officials in India during the Raj?


  • Collection of taxation
  • Maintenance of law and order
  • Running courts and judicial institutions
  • Development of a merged legal system
• What were the implications of the Indian Mutiny for British policies in India?


  • Strengthening of the British Indian army
  • Dispersal of native troops to prevent mutinies
  • Significant changes in administration and policies