What was the significance of the act of 1857? What was the changes the revolt brought about in the country?
Answers
The revolt of 1857 was a reminder to British of the seething discontent, having previously faced reverses in Punjab uprisings and Santhal rebellions in past two decades.
Changes in administration
Patronage: The British crown took over and East India Company was abolished. It was hence established that country was now to be under political patronage of the British.
Army: The racial hatred was deepened and steps were taken to increase number of British armymen in service. Also they were given important tasks while Indians had to contend with general law and order.
Buying support: Efforts were made to reach out to reactionary elements of the society. Socio-religious reforms were abandoned to please the conservatives while it was decided that Muslims shall be played against the Hindus. Princely states were allowed to keep their territories now without any annexation from British to buy their support.
Strengthening urban bodies: Process of financial devolution to local bodies (Mayo’s resolution of 1870 and Rippon in 1882).
Associating Indians: Indian Councils Act of 1861 allowed Indians in Legislative bodies for the first time (although from 1861 to 1892 i.e. in 30 years, only 45 members were nominated)
Foreign Policy: Efforts were made to increase area under administration by reaching out to natural frontiers of the land in the subcontinent i.e. mountains in the east and the west of the country to keep intruders at bay.
Hence the period after 1857 ushered in reforms, all of which aimed at strengthening India’s subservience to Britain.