The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, marked a significant turning point in the history of British rule in India. The aftermath of the rebellion led to several administrative changes in India, including changes in governance, military structure, and British policies. These changes were aimed at consolidating and strengthening British control over India and preventing future uprisings. 

1. Administration – Central, Provincial, Local

During the British colonial period in India, the administrative structure was organized into three main tiers: Central, Provincial, and Local. Each tier had its own set of functions and responsibilities.

Central Administration

• At the top of the administrative hierarchy was the Viceroy of India, who represented the British monarch in India. The Viceroy had extensive powers and authority over British India. The office of the Viceroy replaced that of the Governor-General of India.
• The Viceroy was assisted by the Viceroy’s Executive Council, which included senior British officials. This council was responsible for making important policy decisions.

Provincial Administration

• British India was divided into several provinces, each administered by a Chief Commissioner or a Governor. Major provinces included Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab, and more.
• In some provinces, some Governors had powers similar to the Viceroy at the provincial level. In other provinces, Chief Commissioners were appointed.
• In the later stages of British rule, some provinces had legislative councils that included Indian members. These councils had limited powers to make laws on certain subjects.

Local Administration

• Provinces were subdivided into districts, each headed by a District Collector or Deputy Commissioner. Districts were the basic administrative units.
• Districts were further divided into Tehsils or Taluks, each administered by a Tehsildar.
• Local self-government bodies, such as municipal committees and district boards, were established to deal with local issues like sanitation, public health, and infrastructure. However, these bodies were often dominated by British officials and landowners.
• Traditional village councils, known as Panchayats, continued to exist in many areas. They dealt with local matters and disputes within the village.

2. Changes in the Army

• The Indian Army underwent several changes after 1857. These changes were made in response to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which showed that the British Indian Army was not able to effectively control India.
• One of the most important changes was the increase in the proportion of British troops in the Indian Army.
• Before the rebellion, about half of the Indian Army was made up of British troops.
• After the rebellion, the British government increased the proportion of British troops to about two-thirds.
• This was done to make the Indian Army more reliable and to reduce the risk of another rebellion.
• Another important change was the improvement of the training and equipment of the Indian Army.
• The British government realized that the Indian Army needed to be better trained and equipped to be effective.
• Therefore, the British government invested in training and equipping the Indian Army.

The British government also made several other changes to the Indian Army after 1857. These changes included:

• The introduction of a new system of recruitment.
• The creation of new regiments and battalions.
• The reorganization of the army into divisions and brigades.
• The improvement of medical and transport services.
• The encouragement of Indians to join the officer corps.

The changes made to the Indian Army after 1857 were successful in making the army more reliable and effective. The Indian Army played an important role in the British conquest of Burma in 1885 and the British victory in World War I.

Some specific examples of the changes made to the Indian Army after 1857:

• The proportion of British troops in the Indian Army was increased from about half to about two-thirds.
• The training and equipment of the Indian Army was improved.
• A new system of recruitment was introduced.
• New regiments and battalions were created.
• The army was reorganized into divisions and brigades.
• Medical and transport services were improved.
• Indians were encouraged to join the officer corps.

3. Public Services

During British colonial rule in India, the administration of public services underwent significant changes. Some key aspects of public services during that period:

• The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was the backbone of British colonial administration. It was a prestigious and powerful administrative service comprising British officers who held top positions in the government. The ICS was responsible for governance, revenue collection, law and order, and other key functions.
• The British adopted a policy of segregation in public services. Indian Civil Service (ICS) officers held the highest positions, while Indians were usually restricted to lower-ranking roles. This segregation extended to other administrative services, perpetuating racial and hierarchical divisions.
• One of the primary functions of the colonial administration was revenue collection. The British introduced new revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems. These systems aimed at maximizing revenue extraction from Indian agriculture, often at the expense of the peasants.
• The British established a modern police force in India to maintain law and order. The Indian Police Service (IPS) was introduced, and Indian police officers served alongside British officers. The police played a crucial role in suppressing dissent and maintaining British control.
• The British introduced a structured legal system with the establishment of courts and the appointment of judges. The Indian legal service included British judges and Indian lawyers. The legal system was used to enforce British laws and protect British interests.
• The British established a system of education in India, primarily to train a class of Indians who would assist in the administration. English-medium schools and universities were established, and a Western-style education system was introduced.
• The British established healthcare institutions in India, mainly to cater to the needs of the British officials and troops. However, these institutions also served the Indian population to some extent.
• The colonial administration invested in transportation and communication infrastructure, including railways, roads, and telegraph systems. These developments facilitated the movement of goods and administration across India.
• The Public Works Department (PWD) was responsible for infrastructure development, including the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. British engineers played a significant role in these projects.
• Forests were a valuable resource, and the British introduced forest conservation and management practices. The Indian Forest Service (IFS) was established to oversee forestry operations.
• The British introduced an organized postal system, including the issuance of postage stamps. This improved communication within India and with the outside world.
• At the grassroots level, the British introduced various forms of local administration, such as municipal bodies and panchayats, which were often controlled by British officials.

4. Princely States

The princely states of India were a collection of over 500 self-governing states that existed within the British Indian Empire. These states were ruled by Indian princes, who were subject to the paramountcy of the British Crown. This meant that the British government had the final say on all matters related to foreign policy, defence, and communications.

The princely states varied greatly in size and importance. Some of the largest and most important princely states included Hyderabad, Mysore, Travancore, and Baroda. These states had their own governments, armies, and currencies. They also had their own unique cultures and traditions.

Here are some key aspects of princely states in India:

• Princely states were not directly ruled by the British Crown but were considered autonomous entities with their own internal administrations and rulers. However, they were subject to the paramountcy of the British Crown in matters of foreign affairs and defence.
• India was home to hundreds of princely states, varying greatly in terms of size, population, culture, and wealth. Some states were as large and powerful as British provinces, while others were small and relatively insignificant.
• The rulers of princely states held a variety of titles, including Maharaja, Raja, Nawab, and others. These titles often denoted their status and authority within their territories.
• Within their territories, the rulers of princely states had considerable autonomy. They had their own administrative systems, collected revenue, and enacted laws. The extent of this autonomy varied from state to state.
• The Princely States maintained varying degrees of relations with the British authorities. While some rulers cooperated closely with the British, others pursued more independent policies, sometimes leading to conflicts with colonial authorities.
• Each princely state had a British political officer, known as the “Resident,” who served as a liaison between the princely state and the British government. The Resident had a significant influence on the state’s affairs.
• Princely states entered into treaties with the British government, known as “subsidiary alliances” or “paramountcy agreements.” These agreements often placed the princely states under British protection in exchange for certain privileges and control over their external relations.
• The Princely States contributed to the economic development of India. They played a role in agriculture, trade, and industry within their domains. Some states were known for their agricultural production, while others were centres of craftsmanship and trade.
• When India gained independence in 1947, princely states were given the choice to join either India or Pakistan or to remain independent. The decision to join either country was formalized through an “Instrument of Accession.”
• Most princely states chose to join India, and their integration into the newly independent nation was a complex process. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, played a crucial role in negotiating the accession of princely states to India.
• Princely states were known for their rich cultural heritage, including art, architecture, music, and cuisine. Some of India’s most famous palaces and historical landmarks are located in former princely states.
• The legacy of princely states continues to be felt in modern India. Some former princely states are now part of Indian states, while others have been preserved as separate union territories. Many princely families still exist and are involved in various aspects of Indian society.

5. Foreign Policy

During British colonial rule in India, the formulation and execution of foreign policy were primarily the prerogatives of the British Crown and the British government rather than the Indian population. India was a colony of the British Empire, and its foreign policy decisions were made in London.

Some key aspects of British foreign policy in colonial India

• British foreign policy in India was primarily driven by imperial interests. The British Empire sought to protect and expand its dominions, maintain control over key sea routes and trade networks, and ensure the stability of its Indian possessions.
• During the 19th century, there was intense global competition among European colonial powers for territorial acquisitions and influence in various parts of the world, known as the “Great Game.” India, as the “Jewel in the Crown” of the British Empire, was central to this rivalry. The British aimed to counter the influence of other European powers, such as France and Russia, in the region.
• To secure India from potential invasions and influence from the northwestern frontier (present-day Afghanistan and Central Asia), the British implemented a “buffer state” policy. They supported and controlled neighbouring states like Afghanistan and Tibet to act as buffers against external threats.
• The British entered into various alliances and treaties with neighbouring regions and princely states to ensure their cooperation and compliance with British interests. For example, they signed treaties with the Maharaja of Kashmir to secure the northern frontier.
• British India maintained relations with China and Tibet, particularly in the context of trade and border issues. The Younghusband Expedition of 1903-1904 was a notable event in the British efforts to assert control over Tibet.
• During both World War I and World War II, India played a significant role as a source of manpower and resources for the British war effort. These global conflicts had a direct impact on British foreign policy in India.
• Indians were not directly involved in the formulation of foreign policy, but Indian soldiers and resources were used in British military campaigns. Many Indians participated in the British Indian Army and played crucial roles in various theatres of war.
• India’s foreign policy underwent a significant transformation after gaining independence in 1947. The country adopted a policy of non-alignment, asserting its independence from both Western and Eastern blocs during the Cold War. India became a key player in international diplomacy and championed issues such as decolonization and disarmament.
• With the end of British colonial rule in 1947, India assumed full control over its foreign policy and diplomatic relations. It became an independent nation with its foreign policy goals, which included pursuing peace, non-alignment, and promoting the interests of newly decolonized nations.