What changes were introduced with respect with the ruling chiefs and the Indian soldiers?
Answers
Explanation:
The British Parliament passed a new Act in 1858 and transferred the powers of the East India Company to the British Crown (royal family). A member of the British Cabinet was appointed Secretary of State for India, and made responsible for all matters related to the governance of India. He was given a team of experts, called the Indian Council, to advise him. The Governor-General of India was given the title of Viceroy (a personal representative of the Crown).
All ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territory would never be annexed in future, and they were allowed to pass on their kingdoms to their heirs, including adopted sons. However, they were made to acknowledge the British Queen as their Sovereign Paramount, which meant that they could rule their kingdoms but only as subordinates of the British emperor or empress.
The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced, and the number of Europeans increased. Also, instead of continuing to recruit Hindu and Muslim soldiers from Awadh, Bihar, central India and south India, more soldiers were to be recruited from among the Gurkhas, Sikhs, and Pathans.
The British decided to respect the customary religious beliefs and social practices of the people in India.
Policies were made to protect landlords and zamindars and give them security of rights over their lands.