British westernization of South Asia: East India Company policies and institutional structures

¶ … British Westernize Southeast Asia

Introduction- What is 'westernization'

Westernization is when the European countries would impose their way of life on the colonies they rule to include: the economic system, values, religion and beliefs. The idea was that European views were more progressive and superior to those of the indigenous population. As result, the ultimate objective was to have everyone in the various colonies to accept these different principals in one form or another. The East India Company was an extension of the British government's attempts to impose Westernization on Southeast Asia. (Phillips, 2008)

Initial Government in Bengal - 'dual government'

There were two forms of government that were mainly utilized under this system to include: regions that company would exercise direct control and those that they controlled through treaties. The regions that were controlled by the company would have increased amounts of jurisdiction, in all areas of government and daily life. The reason why, is these areas were considered to be a vital part of the operations for the East India Company, as this was seeded to it after the Battle of Plassey. The regions that were brought under the control of the company (through various treaties) were given greater amounts of local authority. This meant that the company would have less influence upon these areas, as there was mainly a business arrangement vs. allowing the area to be annexed. (Phillips, 2008)

Civil Service - lower level Indians

In the lower levels of the government, the East India Company would offer the citizens from Bengal greater authority over other members within Indian society. Where, they would use the Caste system to establish a social structure throughout regions that the company would directly control. This would help them to have a local administrators and civil servants that could be utilized, to deal with various situations that arise. (Phillips, 2008)

Land revenue systems - adapting to pre-existing ones- land as property

As far as land revenues were concerned, the East India Company would collect a percentage of the taxes from the Bengal Presidency. This would help to fund the various activities of their organization and different wars that they would engage in. At the same time, the East India Company would receive payment in the form of silver and gold bullion for various exports that it would send back to Europe. (Phillips, 2008)

Law and judiciary - dual government - pandits/kazis- establishment of courts- separation of powers

In Southeast Asia there were two different court systems that were established. The first one was based off of: local tribal customs and traditions that were augmented, with the British rule of law. The idea was that these local courts (pandits / kazis) could more effectively handle various situations that were faced in their region. At the same time, the East India Company would establish their own court system, to deal with issues that the local courts could not handle and to have authority over the actions of Europeans. As time went by, this model would become more dominant, as this system would have a European judge and local interpreters / officials to add various local customs / traditions to the proceedings. (Phillips, 2008)

Police - contd. Mughal system till 1793- thanas/darogas - different system in Bombay and Madras- police under District Magistrate - Sind 1843

The system used as far as law enforcement is concerned, would take the existing structure and they would augment it with British officials in maintaining control. This would often involve having various Indian authorities conducting the traditional law enforcement duties, while having European officials who were in charge. In other areas, the East India Company would exercise direct control, as they would impose the existing British legal structure with local elements (thana / derogas). (Phillips, 2008)

Army - recruitment, esp. Bengal Army

The Bengal Army was used to fight various wars throughout India and abroad. What happened was they would utilize the different aspects of the caste system to recruit new soldiers for the army. This would help to establish a local fighting force that was capable of addressing issues facing the company in India. However, the establishment of local customs and religions would often expose various officers to mutiny and disloyalty (as they were seen as outsiders). (Phillips, 2008)

Education - Orientates- Anglicist - Persian removed only in 1835