Military Under the British - Key Historical Changes and Policies | Studento
Military Under the British: Evolution and Control
Pre-Revolt Military Structure
Queenβs Army: British troops serving in India, part of Crownβs military force.
Companyβs Troops: Mixture of European regiments and Native regiments with British officers.
Post-1857 Reorganization
Reorganization Goals: Prevent recurrence of revolts, defend against imperialist powers, and maintain British control.
European Dominance: Ensured domination of the European branch over Indian branches; European monopoly in key departments.
Recruitment Proportions: Fixed at one European to two Indians in the Bengal Army, and two Europeans to five Indians in the Madras and Bombay Armies.
Indian Officer Ranks and Recruitment Policies
Officer Ranks: No Indians in officer ranks until 1914; only subedar rank until 1918.
Recruitment Policies: Ideology of βmartial racesβ vs. βnon-martial racesβ; Sikhs, Gurkhas, and Pathans favored; caste and communal divisions encouraged.
Indianisation Efforts: By 1926, the Indian Sandhurst Committee envisioned 50% Indian officer cadre for 1952.
British Army Policy
Divide and Rule: Policy of balance and counterpoise, ensuring European dominance and division among Indian soldiers.
Isolation of Soldiers: Measures to prevent soldiers from nationalist influences, including censorship of newspapers and journals.
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