In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?
The important changes that were introduced by the British are given below:
(i) The powers of the East India Company was transferred to the British Crown in order to ensure a more responsible management of Indian affairs. The Governor-General of India was given the title of Viceroy, that is, a personal representative of the Crown.
(ii) All ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territory would never be annexed in future. They were allowed to pass on their kingdoms to their heirs, including adopted son. But they had to acknowledge the British queen as their Sovereign Paramount.
(iii) It was decided that the proportion of Indian soldiers in the army would be reduced and the number of European soliders would be increased. It was also decided that instead of recruiting soldiers from Awadh, Bihar, Central India and South India more soldiers would be recruited from among the Gorkhas, Sikhs and Pathans.
(iv) The British decided to respect the customary religions and social practices of the people in India.
(v)Policies were made to protect landlords and zamindars and give them security of rights over their lands.
