SOAS Research Online

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.