What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before may 1857?
Answers
1. In 1858, a proclaim of the Queen of England was issued, which transformed the powers of the East India Company to the British crown as it would be responsible for the administration of Indian affairs.
2. All the ruling kings, chiefs were given the assurance that their kingdoms would never be annexed by the British, provided they should be loyal to the British crown.
3. The Doctrine of Lapse was abolished, the right to adoption was recognized and the adopted son would be treated as the heir to the throne.
4. The proportion of Indians in the English army was reduced. All important posts were given to the Europeans only.
5. The proclamation assured to the Indians that the British would not interfere in the religious and social affairs of Indians.
6. The land and property of the Muslims were confiscated and they were treated with suspicion and hostility.
7. Policies were made to protect and safeguard the landlords and zamindars and give them security of rights over their lands and other properties.
The British became confident about their position in India because of the following reasons:
a. The Mughal rulers, after the death of Aurangzeb, were not strong and powerful. Hence, it was easier for the British to annex states.
b. The disunity among nawabs and the Mughal rulers helped the British have a firm stronghold over Indian society, starting from Bengal.
c. The policies, like Subsidiary Alliance, helped British annex territories one after another, without the use of any military power.
d. The revolt of 1857 was crushed by the British leading to their supremacy over Indian society.