Question

In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?

Answer 1

By the end of 1859, the British managed to regain control of the country, but the British realised they could continue ruling India with the same old policies. The important policy changes made by the British are explained below.

• In order to ensure a more responsible management of affairs in India, the powers were transferred to the British Crown from East India, through a new Act passed by the British Parliament in 1858.
• On all matters related to governance of India, a Secretary of State for India was appointed by the British cabinet.
• To advise him on various matters, a council called India Council was appointed.
• The title of Viceroy was given to the Governor-General of India. The Crown is personally represented by the Viceroy.
• The British government took over direct responsibility for managing and ruling India through the above mentioned measures.
• An assurance was given to all ruling chiefs by the British that their territories would not be annexed in the future.
• The rulers were permitted to transfer their kingdoms to their heirs, even adopted sons were included in this rule.
• However, their Sovereign Paramount would be British Queen and Indian rulers were asked to accept the same.
• The Indian rulers could control their kingdoms but as subordinates to the British Crown.
• The British decided to increase the proportion of European soldiers in the army and reduce the proportion of Indian soldiers in the army.
• The British decided to give more preference to Pathans, Sikhs, and Gurkhas while recruiting to the army, while reducing the preference to soldiers from South India, Central India, Bihar and Awadh regions.
• The Muslims were treated with hostility and suspicion, their properties and lands were confiscated on a massive scale. The British believed that Muslims had a major role to play in the rebellion.
• The British decided to respect the social and customary religious practices of the people in India.
• Policies were made to protect zamindars and landlords as well as provide them security of rights over their lands.