History of British Policies in India

States that were ruled by Indian rulers but under British control, paying tribute to the British East India Company.

A system of control used by the British East India Company in India, where Indian rulers were given subsidies (payments) in exchange for accepting British interference in their affairs.

The British East India Company, a powerful trading company that gradually gained control of India's politics and territories.

States that were previously under control of the British East India Company but were absorbed into British India.

A state ruled by a figurehead, who is controlled by a more powerful entity. In this case, the Indian rulers were puppets controlled by the British.

The transfer of power from the British East India Company to the British Crown, marking a significant shift in British control over India.

The act of conquering and incorporating new territories into an existing empire. The British East India Company dramatically expanded its control over India through conquests.

The British implemented 'Subsidiary alliances' with Indian states, securing their influence and gradually extending their control over the region.

The British East India Company's strategy of replacing Indian rulers with their own nominees after the ruler's death or incapacity, leading to greater British control.

The refusal of the Indian rulers to accept the Doctrine of Lapse, particularly by the ruling family of Satara, which sparked unrest and resentment towards the British.

The process of the British gradually taking over the control of India from the British East India Company, marking a significant change in British power over the region.

The 1857 uprising against the British rule in India, which resulted in the weakening of British control and marked a turning point in the history of British rule.

The state of fear and apprehension that was prevalent throughout India during the British East India Company's rule, primarily due to their forceful tactics and policies.

The British East India Company's use of military force and strategic alliances to expand their control over India, gradually replacing Indian rulers with British influence.

Events or circumstances that contributed to the Indian Mutiny of 1857, such as the introduction of new cartridges for rifles that were rumored to be greased with animal fat, which offended both Hindus and Muslims.

The British East India Company's practice of interfering in the internal affairs of Indian states, particularly after the introduction of the Subsidiary system, which led to the undermining of Indian rulers' authority.

Artisans in India, especially those involved in spinning and weaving, who were negatively impacted by British policies and trade during the colonial era.

Indian farmers who were heavily impacted by British land reforms and agricultural policies, often facing poverty and hardship.

The state of extreme poverty faced by many Indians, particularly cultivators and artisans, due to the impact of British rule on India's economy and society.

A British law that outlawed the practice of Sati, which involved a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre.

The introduction of railways in India by the British East India Company, which transformed transportation and trade.

The British government's decision to take direct control of India from the British East India Company following the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.

The British-established institution of the Madrasa, aimed at promoting Islamic education in India, but later became influenced by British values and objectives.

A law passed by the British to create a caste-based system in India based on their own social hierarchies, which was ultimately unsuccessful.

The British practice of requiring Indians to show deference to British officials, through gestures like salaams or bowing to them from horseback.

The British imposed taxes on Indians, which often caused discontent and rebellion.

When crops failed, people were forced to sell their possessions, including land, cattle, and household goods, to buy food.

Mothers resorting to selling their children for a few days' worth of food highlights the severity of the famines.

The government was capable of offering relief, but they seemed unwilling to help alleviate the suffering caused by famines.

The resentment among Indian soldiers towards the British stemmed from various factors including low pay, discriminatory treatment, and the forced adoption of new cartridges.

The British East India Company's actions, such as annexing territories and imposing policies that undermined Indian traditions, fueled the discontent among Indian soldiers.

The Sepoy rebellion was a significant event in Indian history, demonstrating the growing resistance to British rule.

Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, believed that increasing the number of British soldiers would guarantee the stability of their rule.

Lord Dalhousie's attempt to introduce more British troops into the army ultimately backfired, leading to the Sepoy Mutiny.

The practice of British officers treating Indian soldiers as inferior, despite their experience and contributions.

The Bengal Army, a key force in British India, was primarily composed of high-caste Hindus from Awadh, India.

The Sepoys' resentment stemmed from their inability to rise beyond certain ranks, even with exceptional performance, because of a lack of opportunities for career advancement.

The Sepoys' pay was often less than that of their British counterparts, leading to financial hardship and resentment.

Sepoys were often required to serve far from their homes with little additional compensation, impacting their morale and creating dissatisfaction.

The British forced the Sepoys to cross the Sindhu River and leave India during the Anglo-Afghan War, violating their religious beliefs.

The Sepoys' feelings of being undervalued and mistreated, coupled with their religious objections to serving abroad, led to widespread discontent and resentment.

The British faced a loss of prestige after their disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, leading to a decline in morale and a loss of confidence in British military superiority.