Discuss the major changes brought after the revolt of 1857
The Revolt of 1857 marked a turning point in the history of India and produced a far-reaching impact that brought fears against Britain to light. This event also prompted the British to revamp her policy of governing India, leading the British Parliament to pass an Act for the Better Government of India in 1858.
Major Changes brought after the Revolt of 1857
The British Crown took over the control of administration: The British Parliament passed the Government of India Act, 1858, under which, the powers of the East India Company were transferred to the British Crown.
End of any further Annexation: The policy of subordinate isolation was given up and the policy of ion: The policy of subordinate isolation as given up subordinate union took its place. Further annexation of the Indian states came to an end.
Existing treaties were honoured: All the treaties and engagements made by the Company with the rulers of the Indian states were to be honoured by the Crown. Renewal of these treaties was not compulsory.
Awarded honorary title: The princes who had been helpful to the British in the Mutiny were awarded honorary titles and gifts of money and land.
Reorganised the army: It was decided that the proportion between the Indian and the British troops should not exceed 2:1 and that the field and artillery should be exclusively in the hands of the Europeans.
Promised non-interference: The government promised not to interfere in the internal affairs of the state except in case of utter misgovernment.
Thus, the Revolts of 1857 was a pivotal event in Indian history that not only had a profound impact on the country’s pre-independent political history but also widen the gap between the rulers and the ruled, reinforcing the theory of “Whiteman’s burden”.