Question

Who introduced the policy of paramountcy? What did the policy imply? What sort of resistance did the company face?

Answer 1

Answer:

The Policy of Paramountcy was introduced by Lord Hastings. Lord Hastings was Governor-General from 1813 to 1823.

The implication of Policy of Paramountcy

• As per Policy of Paramountcy, the East India Company claimed that its powers were greater than Indian states and its powers were supreme or paramount.
• This Policy of Paramountcy justified its policy of annexing or threatening to annex any kingdom in India.

Resistance faced by the Company due to the Policy of Paramountcy

• This policy was challenged by the small state of Kitoor which is located in today’s Karnataka.
• Rani Channamma led the resistance movement against the British by taking up arms.
• Rani Channamma was arrested in 1824 and she died in prison in 1829.
• The resistance was carried forward by a poor chowkidar of Sangoli in Kitoor, his name was Rayanna.
• He was caught and hanged by the British in 1830.