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Police Under British India: History, Police System In British India, Police Reforms And More!
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Medieval History UPSC Notes
The Police under British India played a crucial role in maintaining law and order. Spanning over a century, their presence shaped the colonial era. The British administration relied heavily on the police force to enforce their authority and suppress dissent. However, their methods were often criticized for being oppressive and biased towards the colonial rulers. Understanding the dynamics of the Police under British India provides valuable insights into the complexities of colonial rule and its impact on society.
This article will tell us about the Police under British India. This topic is an important part of the UPSC IAS exam. Also, this topic is an important part of UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains Paper. It is also an important topic for UPSC History Optional Paper. Police under British India is also essential for the UGC NET History exam. Every year many questions on political history of India are asked in these exams.
History Of Police In India
Since the beginning of time, watch guards have guarded villages at night. Later, during the Mughal era, there were faujdars who contributed to keeping the peace and amils who primarily collected taxes but occasionally had to deal with rebels. Law and order in the cities were to be maintained by the kotwal. The zamindars were required to keep the employees, including thanedars, for law and order tasks, for maintaining peace, and for dealing with crime and criminals even under the dual rule in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa between 1765 and 1772. However, the zamindars frequently ignored their duties. They even reportedly divided their wealth and plotted with dacoits.
Police System In British India
The faujdar and amil institutions were dissolved in 1770. Warren Hastings, however, revived the faujdar system in 1774 and requested the zamindars to help them put an end to dacoits, violence, and disorder. In big regions, faujdar thanas were formed in 1775, with the assistance of a number of smaller police stations.
- By reviving and modernising the outdated Indian system of thanas (circles) in a district under the command of a daroga (an Indian) and a superintendent of police (SP) at the head of a district, Cornwallis formed a permanent police force to uphold law and order in 1791. He released the zamindars from their oversight of the police.
- With the help of several spies (goyendas) in 1808, Mayo selected an SP for each district, but these spies took upon the citizens of the area.
- The appointment of darogas and their subordinates was discontinued in all of the Company's areas, with the exception of Bengal, in 1814 by order of the Court of Directors.
- The SP office was abolished by William Bentinck. The commissioner in each division would now serve as the SP, while the collector/magistrate would now be in charge of the police force inside his district. Due to the poorly organised police force created by this system, the collector/magistrate was under a lot of stress. The first places where the roles of collector and magistrate were separated were presidency towns.
- The Government of India Act of 1858 and the Police Act of 1861 established the standard system of police administration in British India, which included the Indian Imperial Police, also known as the Indian Police or, after 1905, the Imperial Police.
- The Police Commission suggested the creation of a Central Intelligence Bureau at the Centre and a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in each province in 1902.
Police Reforms In British India: The Indian Police Act, 1861
The Indian Police Act of 1861 was the most important development in Police under British India. It was introduced during British colonial rule. It led to the police reform in India. The act aimed to establish a professional police force. The force's primary function was to maintain law and order.
- The act provided guidelines for the organization and structure of the police force. It defined the powers and responsibilities of police officers. The act also outlined the recruitment and training process. It emphasized the importance of discipline and accountability. The act gave the police powers to arrest and detain suspects. It allowed the police to use force when necessary.
- The act provided a legal framework for police operations. It enabled the police to prevent and investigate crimes. The act also allowed the police to gather evidence. It gave the police authority to search premises and seize property. The act set out procedures for the registration of complaints.
- It established the role of the police in maintaining public order. The act empowered the police to disperse unlawful assemblies. It authorized the police to use force to restore peace. The act emphasized the need for impartiality in police actions. It stressed the importance of protecting individual rights.
- The act created a system of police hierarchy. It designated ranks and responsibilities within the force. The act established a chain of command. It ensured efficient communication and coordination among police officers. The act set up police stations in every district. It mandated the presence of a police officer in each station. The act made provisions for the appointment of superintendents. It defined their role as the head of police administration.
- The act enabled the police to maintain records and files. It facilitated the collection of intelligence and crime data. The act also addressed the issue of police misconduct. It provided mechanisms for the investigation of complaints against police officers. The act established police courts for disciplinary proceedings. It allowed for the punishment of errant police officers.
- The act aimed to instill public trust and confidence. It sought to make the police force accountable to the people. The act recognized the importance of community policing. It encouraged cooperation between the police and the public. The act promoted the idea of a proactive police force. It encouraged preventive policing and crime prevention. The act remained in force for many years.
- It continued to shape the Indian police system. The act underwent some amendments over time. It adapted to the changing needs of society. The act, however, faced criticism as well. Some argued that it reflected a colonial mindset.
- The Indian Police Act of 1861 has had a lasting impact. It laid the foundation for the police system in India. The act has shaped the role and functions of the police. It continues to influence the Indian police force today.
Conclusion
The Police under British India played a significant role in maintaining law and order. Their presence brought a sense of security and control to the colonized land. However, their methods were often oppressive and biased, favoring the interests of the British rulers. The Police under British India enforced laws that served to suppress dissent and maintain the status quo. While some officers genuinely aimed to protect the public, the system as a whole served as an instrument of colonial power. The legacy of the Police under British India reminds us of the complex dynamics between law enforcement and colonial rule, shaping the history of the subcontinent.
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Police Under British India FAQs
Did the police under British India have any powers?
Yes, the police had the authority to use force, apprehend criminals, and maintain public order.
What were the limitations of the police under British India?
The police primarily served the interests of the British colonial administration and often faced criticism for being biased and suppressing dissent.
Did the police under British India undergo any changes over time?
Yes, the police system underwent some reforms and modifications, but it largely served as a tool for colonial control and governance.
What was the role of the police under British India?
The police under British India were responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and solving crimes, and protecting British interests.
How were the police under British India organized?
The police force was structured hierarchically, with officers holding different ranks such as Inspector General and Superintendent of Police.