SOAS Research Online

A Free Database of the Latest Research by SOAS Academics and PhD Students

[skip to content]

Pandey, K. N. (1957) Lord William Bentinck and the Indian States, 1828-1835. PhD thesis. SOAS University of London. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00033606

[img] PDF - Submitted Version
Download (11MB)

Abstract

This is a study of the relations of Lord William Bentinck with the Indian states during his governor-generalship (1828-1835). It considers his attitude towards the Indian states, the ideas with which he was inspired and the methods with which he sought to accomplish them. Bentinck's period was one of peace. It was disturbed by no internal and external wars of magnitude of the type which had characterised earlier periods. In this period the British government faced problems emerging from its supremacy which vitally affected the Indian states, Were those states, many of which were in a disorganized condition, to be perpetuated? And if so, how was the British government to conduct itself theoretically and practically towards them? Again, what part were the treaties to play in this relationship? These were questions to which no simple answer could be returned. Bentinck tried to answer them in a peaceful way. Drawing inspiration from the utilitarian ideas of his time he sought reform at the hands of the Indian princes. In place of coercing them he sought to influence them by policies of non-intervention, advice, persuasion and warning. Paramountcy was avowed but its use was conceived only in the last resort. In this study special attention has been given to instances which show the working of Bentinck's mind. Both the official records of the Company and the private papers of Lord William Bentinck have been used.

Item Type: Theses (PhD)
SOAS Departments & Centres: SOAS Research Theses > Proquest
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00033606
Date Deposited: 12 Oct 2020 17:13
URI: https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/id/eprint/33606

Altmetric Data

Statistics

Download activity - last 12 monthsShow export options
Downloads since deposit
6 month trend
3,603Downloads
6 month trend
144Hits
Accesses by country - last 12 monthsShow export options
Accesses by referrer - last 12 monthsShow export options

Repository staff only

Edit Item Edit Item