India

British Empire: India

  • Period: to

    Indian Rebellion

    Began with a mutiny of sepoys in the Bengal Army and spread to civil rebellions across north/central India. Resentment over pay, cultural insensitivity, land confiscation from nobility. Enfield rifles greased with animal fat became rallying point as an example of British indifference and superiority. Shift towards working with traditional rulers and more cultural sensitivity. Ended Dalhousie's doctrine of lapse (taking of land/titles for EIC when direct lines ended).
  • India --> British Raj

    Direct rule implemented in India after the dissolution of the EIC. All EIC property, wealth and army returned to the Crown. Under the Govt of India Act a secretary of state for India, India Council and Viceroy were created. Viceroy Canning toured India in 1861 returned some land/titles to nobility, gave out 'Star of India' medals, set up English-teaching unis in Calcutta, Bombay etc. Combination of direct and indirect rule: Kashmir, Hyderabad etc. were self-governing as had stayed loyal
  • Period: to

    Viceroy Canning

    Known as "Clemency" Canning for his appeasement reforms after the Rebellion. Was Governor-General, then became Viceroy after India became the British Raj.
  • Period: to

    Viceroy Lytton

  • Royal Titles Act

    After request of Victoria and insistence of Disraeli, Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in the RTA, passed 1 May 1876. This aimed to strengthen the symbolic link between India and the monarchy after assuming direct control. Viceroy Lytton organised a grand Durbar in Delhi in celebration with over 400 Indian princes, chiefs and officials.
  • Invasion of Afghanistan

    Driven by Viceroy Lytton: fears of Russian influence expanding into central Asia and the need to protect India. Huge losses of 10,000 British soldiers but eventually controlled/created the North-West frontier province.
  • INC created

    Indian National Congress was set up to discuss public affairs and campaign for more self-rule and Indian representation in government. Founded by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee
  • Period: to

    Viceroy Curzon

    Forced to resign in 1905 after backlash of Partition of Bengal.
  • Period: to

    Viceroy Minto

    Known for Morley-Minto reforms
  • Period: to

    Viceroy Hardinge