British Colonial Rule: Economic, Social, Administrative Changes
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Introduction
After getting Diwani rights (1765) the British slowly changed economy, society and administration of India to benefit British profit.
These changes transformed India completely and prepared the background for Indian National Movement.
1) Economic Changes
Main objective = Drain wealth from India.
| Area | Impact / Changes |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Commercial crops like Indigo, Tea, Cotton, Opium started replacing food crops. |
| Land Revenue Systems | Permanent Settlement (1773) → Bengal (Zamindars) Ryotwari (Madras/Bombay) Mahalwari (North-West) |
| Industrial Impact | Indian handloom suffered, British machine goods imported. India turned from Exporter of finished goods → Supplier of raw materials |
| Trade Policies | Monopoly system of Company Trade |
Result: Famines increased due to cash crops & exploitation.
2) Social Changes
| Change Area | Major Points |
|---|---|
| Social Reforms | Sati abolished by Lord Bentinck (1829) with support of Raja Ram Mohan Roy |
| Women Education | Encouraged by missionaries, social reformers |
| Social Evils Attacked | Child marriage, caste discrimination, untouchability |
| Laws introduced | Widow Remarriage Act 1856 |
Missionaries & reformers changed Indian society slowly towards modern reforms.
3) Administrative Changes
| Reform Area | Changes |
|---|---|
| Police | Modern police force introduced |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court established in 1774 at Calcutta |
| Civil Services | ICS (Indian Civil Service) introduced – dominated by British |
| Armed Forces | Indian army reorganized under British; Indians given lower ranks only |
After 1857 → Crown Rule began (Government of India Act 1858) replacing EIC rule.
Quick Recap (5 Lines)
British changed economy for their profit → commercial crops + industry destruction.
Social reforms started through Raja Ram Mohan Roy + British Acts.
Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, Mahalwari → major revenue systems.
Modern judiciary, police, ICS developed.
After 1857 → Company rule ended, Crown rule started.
Sample MCQs
Widow Remarriage Act was passed in:
Options: (a) 1800 (b) 1856 (c) 1858 (d) 1829
View Answer
B. 1856
Permanent Settlement was introduced in:
Options: (a) Bombay (b) Madras (c) Bengal (d) Punjab
View Answer
C. Bengal
Who abolished Sati?
Options: (a) Curzon (b) Warren Hastings (c) Dalhousie (d) Bentick
View Answer
D. Bentick
Previous Year Pattern Questions
Name the system of land revenue introduced in Bengal by British.
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Permanent Settlement (Zamindari System) was introduced in Bengal
Who helped in Sati abolition?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Raja Ram Mohan Roy helped Lord Bentinck in Sati abolition
Which Act ended the rule of East India Company?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Government of India Act 1858 ended the rule of East India Company
You've completed British Colonial Rule Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on understanding the three main areas of British impact - Economic (revenue systems, deindustrialization), Social (reforms, abolition of social evils), and Administrative (modern systems introduction). Remember key dates like 1829 (Sati abolition), 1856 (Widow Remarriage), and 1858 (Crown rule). The land revenue systems and their regional applications are frequently tested. These changes created the foundation for modern India while also leading to economic exploitation.
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