The British Empire played a crucial role in bringing administrative and political unification to India. Before British rule, India was fragmented into multiple feudal states, each vying for control. Although historical rulers like Ashoka, Samudragupta, and Akbar attempted to unify the country, their efforts only resulted in nominal political unity. The British, however, established a centralized state between 1757 and 1857, leading to real political and administrative unification for the first time in Indian history.
One of the key factors in achieving this unification was the introduction of modern means of communication such as the telegraph and railways. These advancements allowed the British to maintain control over vast territories, efficiently administer the country, and establish a unified economic system. Let us explore the significant administrative changes introduced under British rule.
Download notes of British Expansion in India
Legislative and Constitutional Reforms
The Government of India Act, 1858
- Transferred control from the East India Company to the British Crown.
- Established the post of the Secretary of State for India with a council of 15 members.
- The Governor-General was now referred to as the Viceroy, who became subordinate to the British government.
Indian Councils Act, 1861
- Reversed centralization and restored legislative powers to the Madras and Bombay presidencies.
- Established legislative councils in other provinces such as Bengal (1862) and NWFP (1886).
- Introduced Indians into the legislative process, with the inclusion of three Indian members.
- Introduced the Portfolio system, assigning government departments to council members.
- Gave the Viceroy power to veto decisions and issue ordinances.
Indian Councils Act, 1892
- Expanded legislative councils at both the central and provincial levels.
- Allowed legislative councils to discuss budgets and question the executive.
- Introduced indirect elections, empowering local bodies to nominate representatives.
Administrative Unification under the British Empire
After the Act of 1858, the administrative control of India was centralized in London, with minimal influence from Indian opinions. British merchants, industrialists, and bankers played a significant role in shaping governance policies.
Provincial Administration
- India was divided into provinces, with three major presidencies: Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
- The presidencies had more power than other provinces, which were governed by Lieutenant Governors and Chief Commissioners.
- Legislative powers were restored to the provinces in 1861, but financial control remained centralized.
- Lord Mayo (1871) initiated financial decentralization, followed by Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon, who granted more revenue autonomy to provinces.
Local Government
- Local governance was introduced in 1687 in Madras but remained underdeveloped.
- Due to financial constraints, British authorities promoted municipal governance to reduce administrative expenses.
- Lord Ripon’s Resolution of 1882 strengthened local self-governance by defining responsibilities and introducing elections.
- Despite these efforts, local governance remained under British control, limiting true self-rule.
Civil Services
The British controlled India through a highly organized civil service system.
- The Charter Act of 1853 allowed Indians to enter civil services, but the examination was held in England.
- The Proclamation of 1858 promised Indian participation in administration, but barriers such as age limits and language requirements restricted access.
- Satyendra Nath Tagore became the first Indian to qualify for the Civil Services in 1863.
- The Aitchison Committee (1886) recommended three levels of services:
-
- Imperial Civil Services (exam in England)
- Provincial Civil Services (exam in India)
- Subordinate Civil Services (exam in India)
British Policy towards Princely States
During the Revolt of 1857, many princely states supported the British, earning their favor.
- The British ended the policy of annexation but subordinated princely states under British authority.
- Queen Victoria assumed the title of Kaiser-e-Hind (Empress of India) in 1876, reinforcing British dominance.
- The British interfered in princely states’ administration through Residents, ensuring compliance with imperial policies.
British Foreign Policy in India
British India pursued an aggressive foreign policy to secure its borders and prevent European rivals from gaining influence.
Nepal
- The Treaty of Sugauli (1816) ended hostilities, establishing the Kali River as the boundary between Nepal and India.
- Nepal withdrew from Sikkim and accepted a British Resident.
Burma
- The British waged three wars against Burma, leading to its complete annexation in 1885.
- Economic interests and the fear of French expansion influenced British actions.
Afghanistan
- The British viewed Afghanistan as a buffer against Russian expansion.
- The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) ended in disaster, but later treaties ensured British influence.
- The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) resulted in the Treaty of Gandamak, favoring British interests.
- The Durand Line Agreement (1893) established the boundary between British India and Afghanistan.
Download notes of Socio Religious Reform Movements
Impact of British Administrative Unification
The British ruled India for nearly 200 years (1757-1947), bringing about significant changes in administration, governance, and economy. While their policies were designed to benefit the Empire, they also laid the foundation for modern India’s administrative and political structure.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Students:
- British rule centralized India’s administration, creating a unified governance structure.
- Legislative reforms gradually introduced Indian participation but maintained British dominance.
- Civil services remained exclusive, but nationalist pressure led to some concessions.
- The British maintained control over princely states and used foreign policy to secure their interests.
- These changes played a crucial role in shaping India’s modern administrative and governance framework.
Understanding these aspects is essential for comprehending how British rule influenced the formation of modern India and its administrative structure.
