Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important... | UPSC 2016 GS1 PYQ

MAINS 2016

GS1

12.5 marks

Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

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9 min

200 words

What the examiner wants

Explain how British policy in administration, army, princes and society changed after the 1857 revolt.

ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

1Administration: Government of India Act 1858 ended Company rule; Secretary of State and Viceroy≈30 words
2Princes: annexation and Doctrine of Lapse abandoned; princes made allies (Queen's Proclamation 1858)≈30 words
3Army: higher ratio of European troops, artillery kept with Europeans, 'martial races' recruitment, mixing of groups≈30 words
4Society and economy: retreat from social reform, religious non-interference, alliance with landlords (Awadh taluqdars restored), divide and rule≈30 words
5Limited Indian association: Indian Councils Act 1861≈30 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Pre-1857 policy (annexation, reform)Post-1857 shift in each areaLong-term effect (divide and rule, conservative alliances)Conclusion

CommitteePeel Commission (1859) recommended that European troops be raised relative to Indian troops (about 1:2 in Bengal, 1:3 in Madras and Bombay).Peel Commission, 1859
DocumentQueen Victoria's Proclamation (1 November 1858) promised to respect princes' rights and not interfere in religion.Proclamation, 1858

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