Indian History

By the end of the First World War the British Rule in India was still powerful, but would soon break down. However, thousands of Indians fought in the war hoping that in return they would be given home rule. It would have been difficult to win without the invaluable help of the Indians and their constant supply of manpower. India was a vast supplier of raw materials to Britain and would in return buy British manufactured goods. (Caroll, 1972)

Two- thirds of India was governed by the British, whilst the remainder was governed by Indian princes. The princely state rulers kept their power by signing treaties with the British. Signing these treaties would make the Indian princes loyal supporters to the British Raj. British judges, army officers and police officers all were involved when it came to controlling India. However, Indians served as police officers, lawyers and as solider. But there were always British officers and officials above them. The power was within the members of the Indian Civil Service, who were responsible for administering India, settling disputes and encouraging economic development.

India had been run by direct rule, (when the person running the country is in the country), which was what the Viceroy did, but still had to answer to the British Parliament and indirect rule (when someone has to refer to someone else when it comes to making decisions).

The Viceroy, who was appointed by the British government, was the king's representative. The Viceroy governed with the help and assistance of the Imperial Legislative Council, which was appointed by the British government and there job was to pass laws for India. The British in India would keep themselves separate from the Indians and would only mix for official purposes.

During the course of the war many Indians suffered due to the impact of the war. One of the main reasons many Indians supported the British in the war was because the Indians believed that in return for supporting the British, they would be allowed to run their own Country. But during the war this support started to decline because there was a shortage of food, and as a result there was a tax increase. This then just gave the Indians more reason to want their independence.

As time went on the British became more aware of the Indian's desire for home rule. But as the British thought they were more “superior” they didn't want to give up there rule of India, it became very clear and apparent that the Indians attitudes to the British and the British attitudes to the Indians were very different. The British are shown as almost cocky as they expected “a certain standard or courtesy and politeness” from the Indians.

The options given to please the Indians were reforms, which were brought about by the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy. The Morley-Minto Reforms were one of the many reforms designed to satisfy the Indians. But the problem with this reform was that it didn't give ...