British Rule In India

The British Rule in Indian History

The British Empire in India was founded by Clive. He was the representative of the East India Company in India. He was twice the head of the administration – first from 1757-60 and second from 1765-67.

Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daullah at the decisive battle of Plassey in 1757. He gave stability and political status to East India Company by acquiring the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

Warren Hastings (1774-1785) – He was the first Governor General of India. He affected many reforms in the administration of the East India Company. He consolidated the Company’s position in Bengal. He stemmed the tide of the increasing influence of the Marahattas. Clive laid the foundation of British rule in India; Warren Hastings strengthened it.

Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856) – It was under his Governor Generalship that the British fought the Second Sikh War in (1848-49). He also fought the Second Burmese War in (1852-53) and annexed Burma and Pegu to Indian dominion. He devised the notorious Doctrine of Lapse by which he annexed the states of Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur, Jaipur and Sambalpur. He affected many social reforms in India.

The first railway line in India was inaugurated in 1853 during his Governor Generalship.

Lord Canning (1856-1862) – He was the last Governor General of India. In 1858 the post was designated as Governor General and Viceroy. The Chief event of his time was the first war of Indian Independence which broke out in 1857.