LBA (Lesson Based Assessment) – Purpose, Advantages & Preparation
SOCIAL SCIENCE-HISTORY-CHAPTER-3
The Impact of the British Rule in India
British rule brought major changes in India’s administration, judiciary, education, police system, army structure, and land revenue policies. Although many reforms were introduced for administration, several policies negatively affected Indian farmers and society.
This chapter explains the administrative changes, judicial reforms, land revenue systems, British education policies, and important Acts introduced during British rule in India.
Administrative Changes Introduced by the British
The British introduced various administrative reforms to strengthen their control over India.
Regulating Act of 1773
The Regulating Act of 1773 was an important administrative reform introduced by the British.
Major features:
- Established the Supreme Court in Calcutta
- Increased British administrative control
- Strengthened governance mechanisms
This Act became an important step in British administration.
Police and Administrative Reforms
The British introduced changes in policing and administration.
Cornwallis created the post of Superintendent of Police (SP) to strengthen law and order.
The police system introduced during British rule influenced the present policing structure in India.
Judicial System During British Rule
The British developed a new judicial system in India.
Diwani Adalat
Diwani Adalat was established to deal with civil cases and administration of justice.
The British judicial reforms later influenced the Indian Constitution and modern legal system.
Land Revenue Systems Introduced by the British
British land revenue policies greatly affected Indian farmers.
Permanent Zamindari System
The Permanent Zamindari System was introduced by Cornwallis.
Mahalwari System
The Mahalwari System was introduced to collect land revenue through villages or groups known as “Mahal”.
Ryotwari System
Under the Ryotwari System:
- Farmers directly paid taxes to the government
- Revenue burden increased on farmers
- Exploitation of farmers became common
British land tax policies caused severe hardships to Indian farmers.
It was said that “Indian farmers were born in debt, lived in debt and died in debt.”
British Education System in India
British education brought major changes in Indian society.
The report prepared by Macaulay became the foundation for English education in India.
Dalhousie established universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
Effects of British education:
- Spread of modern education
- Development of new ideas
- Rise of educated Indians
- Social awareness and reforms
Important Acts During British Rule
Indian Council Act of 1909
The Indian Council Act of 1909 introduced separate electoral colleges for Muslims, helping the British follow the policy of divide and rule.
Government of India Act, 1935
The Government of India Act, 1935 became important because it introduced the Federal System, which later influenced independent India.
This Act later became an important base for the Indian Constitution.
Montego-Chelmsford Act of 1919
This Act introduced administrative reforms and became important in constitutional development.
Important Questions for LBA Preparation
1 Mark Questions
✔ Who promoted modern education in India?
✔ Who introduced the Mahalwari System?
✔ What is Mahal?
✔ What is Diwani Adalat?
✔ Who became the first Viceroy of India in 1858?
✔ What was the objective of Charter Acts?
✔ Which was the highest post available to Indians in British army?
✔ Which Act established RBI?
2–3 Mark Questions
How did the British use the Indian Council Act of 1909 for divide and rule?
The Act introduced separate electorates for Muslims and encouraged communal divisions among Indians.
Why was the military the base of administration during British rule?
The British used military power to maintain administration, suppress rebellions, and expand their control.
What were the important features of the Regulating Act?
- Supreme Court establishment
- Administrative reforms
- Stronger British governance
Long Answer Questions
✔ Explain Ryotwari System
✔ Effects of British education system in India
✔ Effects of British land tax system
✔ Montego-Chelmsford Act of 1919
✔ Government of India Act, 1935
✔ Judicial reforms during British administration
LBA Material PDF Link
The Impact of the British Rule in India [PDF]