UPSC Mains 2016 GS Paper 1 Q3: model answer

In November 1858, Queen Victoria's Proclamation was read out at Allahabad: the Company was gone, and the Crown promised no more annexations. The revolt of 1857 had forced Britain to rethink how it ruled India.

Governance

• The Government of India Act, 1858 ended Company rule; the Crown ruled through a Secretary of State and a Viceroy.
• The Queen's Proclamation (1858) promised no further annexations and religious non-interference.

Princes and landed classes

• From annexation (Doctrine of Lapse) to alliance: princes were made pillars of the Raj, and taluqdars of Awadh had estates restored.

Army

• The ratio of European to Indian troops rose; artillery stayed in British hands.
• Recruitment shifted to so-called 'martial races' (Punjab, Nepal), with units mixed by caste and region.

Social and political policy

• Caution in social reform, an alliance with conservative elements, and growing divide and rule.
• Indian Councils Act, 1861: limited association of Indians with legislation.

Long-term effect

• A more racial and distant Raj, but also the rise of new educated Indians who would build the national movement.

Economic policy

• Railways, irrigation and plantations expanded, binding India more firmly to the British economy.
• The Indian Civil Service stayed closed in practice to most Indians despite the Proclamation's promise.

Final word

1857 turned British policy from expansion and reform towards consolidation, caution and division, making it a true watershed in colonial rule.