Q. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of Modern India. Elaborate. (150 words, 10 Marks)
Why the Question?
UPSC PYQ – CSE Mains Exam – 2013
Keywords of the Question
- Lord Dalhousie
- Founder of modern India
Directive Word
Elaborate – To give in more detail, provide more information on.
How to approach this Question?
Introduction
- Briefly introduce Lord Dalhousie mentioning his tenure as Governor-General of India.
- State the significance of his policies in shaping modern India.
Body
- Administrative Reforms: Discuss the introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse, modernization of the postal system, and establishment of telegraph and railways.
- Economic Reforms: Highlight the development of infrastructure, including roads and canals, and the introduction of modern education.
- Social Reforms: Mention the abolition of practices like Sati and the promotion of widow remarriage.
- Military Reforms: Note the reorganization of the army and the establishment of a modern police force.
Conclusion
- Summarize the impact of Dalhousie’s reforms.
- Reflect on how these reforms laid the foundation for modern administrative and economic systems in India.
- Conclude with a statement on his legacy as a key figure in the modernization of India.
Note: Please note that the following ‘answers’ are not ‘model answers’ nor are they synopses in the strictest sense. Instead, they are content designed to meet the demands of the question while providing comprehensive coverage of the topic.
Answer Key
Introduction
Lord Dalhousie served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. His tenure is marked by significant reforms that laid the groundwork for modern India. His policies aimed at administrative efficiency, economic development, and social progress.
Body
Administrative Reforms:
- Doctrine of Lapse: Annexed several princely states, expanding British control.
- Telegraph and Postal System: Established telegraph lines and modernized the postal system that made a revolution.
- Railways: Launched the first railway line in 1853, connecting Bombay to Thane.
Economic Reforms:
- Infrastructure Development: Built roads and canals, improving connectivity and trade.
- Modern Education: Promoted Western education, leading to the establishment of universities and schools.
Social Reforms:
- Abolition of Sati: Enforced laws against Sati, promoting women’s rights.
- Widow Remarriage: Supported the legalization of widow remarriage, a significant step towards gender equality.
Military Reforms:
- Army Reorganization: Reorganized the army, making it more efficient.
- Police Force: Established a modern police force to maintain law and order.
Conclusion
Lord Dalhousie’s reforms profoundly impacted India’s administrative and economic systems, laying the foundation for modern infrastructure, education, and social reforms. However, his policies, particularly the Doctrine of Lapse, were seen as attacks on India’s sovereignty, eroding traditional institutions and practices, despite his legacy in modernization.