"A King and his Council" - Governors-General

 

The British period of Indian history is a fascinating one, whether we "agree" with it or "not". So I hope there aren't any ardent nationalists out there who'll gun me down for posting quite a lot on British India. I'd love it if this whole "good v bad" theme could remain as little as possible in any discussions I bring up, it's very cliched as a judgement on the period, but if taken seriously can (in its own thread) be fascinating by itself.

 

That said, I wondered whether I could bring up the topic of Leadenhall Street's 'Man on the Spot' in India under the Company (1757-1858'ish), from Warren Hastings onward (despite being just Governor of the Bombay Presidency in this period, let's not be too fussy, he was the de facto British representative at the time I think we can agree).

 

Who, in your opinion, was the most effective, or who accomplished the most, or who do you favour as an historical figure?

 

I am personally partial to the Marquess Hastings (Lord Moira) who, reigning from 1813 to 1823 accomplished much diplomatically through the various Residencies, and what he could not - or chose not to - accomplish with the word, he did so very effectively with the sword.

 

The long war with the Kingdom of Nepal left the British in an advantageous and somewhat anxious and vengeful mood at its victorious close, but instead Hastings imposed a modest and lasting peace creating an ally where others may have created a troubled mountain province.

 

Leaving nothing to chance, he over-prepared the great armies that swept up the Pindari menace and once and for all settled the anarchic state of Central India in to its almost unchanging state until modern times (we must not forget, many of today's Indian provinces are modelled very closely on Hastings' settlement).

 

Though little known, Hastings's internal reforms were widely implemented and, largely, successful up until the Mutiny.

 

His foreign policy outside of India was farseeing and, as well as securing the island of Singapore for the British, Hastings was a strong factor in diminishing French influence in Asia.

 

The one scandal of his General-Governorship - the Palmer Bank and the Nizam of Hyderabad -  however, stand as a blemish on his term as ruler in India.

 

Nonetheless, Hastings changed the face of India significantly during his time as Governor-General.

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

...Hello there...

 

..i would love to be able to comment on this subject, but unfortunately i know next to nothing about the topic, not in any great detail anyway....must admit though, i find it curious that not many people around the forums have anything to say about this part of British history...perhaps its too coloured by the aspect of 'colonial' enterprise and 'Empire' building?.....anyway, so for the time being, i will just have to be an interested spectator...!!!.. 

 

..all the best, and keep posting if you have a depth of knowledge that you can pass on...

 

..AoO...