Explore the evolution of the police system in modern India, from pre-colonial times through colonial reforms to the establishment of the CID and Central Intelligence Bureau. Learn about key events, reforms, and figures shaping the Indian police force and law enforcement system.
Evolution of the Modern Police System in India: From Pre-Colonial to British Era
Pre-Colonial and Early British Colonial Police Systems
Pre-Colonial India: Autocratic governments lacked a formal police system, relying on village watch guards, faujdars, and kotwals for maintaining law and order.
British Era: In 1770, faujdar and amil institutions were abolished but reinstated by Warren Hastings in 1774. Faujdar thanas and smaller police stations were introduced.
Dual Rule Period: Zamindars were responsible for law and order but often neglected their duties and colluded with criminals.
Cornwallis' Police Reforms in India (1791)
Regular Police Force: Introduced a modernized police system with thanas (circles) managed by darogas and superintendents of police (SP).
Zamindars' Duties: Relieved zamindars of their policing duties.
Reforms by Mayo and Bentinck in the British Police System
Mayo (1808): Appointed SPs for each division, assisted by goyendas (spies), though their actions often caused depredations.
Bentinck (1814): Abolished the roles of darogas and SPs, placing the police force under the collector/magistrate and commissioner.
Presidency Towns: First regions to separate the roles of collectors and magistrates.
Indian Police Act and Police Commission (1860-1861)
Police Commission (1860): Recommended a structured police hierarchy comprising civil constabulary, village watchmen, inspectors-general, deputy inspectors-general, and superintendents of police (SP).
Indian Police Act (1861): Provided formal guidelines for police organization in provinces, though the police were used to suppress national movements.
Establishment of CID and Central Intelligence Bureau (1902)
Recommendations: Introduced the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for provinces and the Central Intelligence Bureau at the national level.
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