EMPIRES OF INDIA

Akbar maintained his power in many ways. These included forming alliences with Rajput Princes and marrying Rajput Princessess, having a massive army, warfare, subsiding rebellion and invading new territories. He also showed his supremity when meeting with lesser people by sitting on an elevated platform. Lesser ranks sat further away and the highest sat closer. The emperor would meet visitors in a public hall called a 'dubar'. A 'dubar' was a demonstration of the emperors wealth and power, it included grand pillars and walls built of sanstone and marble, intricate fabrics and jewels covering the walls. The 'dubar' was used for many generations by other rulers and the British after the Mughal Empire faded to show of their wealth and power. After Akbars' reign the emporer was veiwed as 'Gods' representive on Earth' and interpreter of Islamic law.

A seven year war broke out between the British, Spanish and French trading companies. They faught for positions in India, and power and influence. These trading companies made private deals with local rulers and made alliances and treaties with each other which further diminished the Mughal Empire.

Charles The Second, Britan's King permitted the Company allowance to the right to claim territory, mint money, keep an army, declare peace treaties and rule areas of India.

Governer- Generald, Warren Hastings, imposed the British system of law (introduced Western- style courts with judges and trials) and replaced many Indian traditions with the British's own.

The British East India Company began to introduce a new system of private property. It changed it from being 'collective ownership' of land, where 'zandibars' had the right to collect taxes from peasent farmers to 'private ownership' of land.

British made English the official language of India.

Governer- Generald, Lord Bentwick made the first education policy based on the British politician, Lord Tomhas Mac'Auleys' ideas.

The British East India Company put in a new administration service called the India Civil Service, which continued for years.

The British East India Company and British law stated that Civil service officials had to be chosen on merit and not because of nationality or colour. Although, in practice positions still went to young male Britans.

English became the language of the Indian Education system.

Governer- General, Dalthouse expanded the education system by introducing primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities. Many people still had little access to these schools due to money issues and only 5% of Indians' could read and write.

The Doctrine Lapse means that once an Indian ruler died without a heir, then the area he ruled was taken over by Britan.

Indians who wanted to join the service had to study at school. Many Indians still couldn't apply to the prestigious schools from prior lack of education, little money and unavailability to travel. Many positions still went to young, male Britans.

Aurangzed was a crazy Muslim who got rid of the Hindu Rajput rulers by imposing Islamic law on the empire. The effect this had was that the wealth of the empire declined and it caused disconnection with neighbours. This changed religion in India from having religious freedom for Hindus to Aurangzed forcing people to follow the Islamic rules.

Governer- General, Warren Hastings, put in place a new legal system in British syte but suitable to Indian culture. He created one system for the teachings of Muslims and a seperate system for the teachings of Hindu.

The British East India Company banned the practice of 'sahti'. A tradition where the wife of a man, who is dead, had to commit suicide by throwing herself into the flames.

In the early 18th centry Britan, Fance, Holland and Portagul, all motivated by profit, sent trading companies to India. The new market included spices, Asian goods, teas, cotton and silks. The trading companies debated with Mughal Emperor, Jahangah, to set up trading bases, exchange goods, store supplies and repair equipment. A huge industry grew and developted whole cities, such as Calcutta, around the bases.

First railway opens in India. India became a great exporter of cotton, jute, tea, opium, wheat and tobacco from the new macheines supplied by the British during the Industrial Revolution. This took out many home based industries in India, such as the hand woven cotton Industry. It left many peple without jobs or money.

9000 miles of railway cover and operate in India.

During the Mughal Empire, India was a patriachal society where men were held responsible for almost everything. Women were held responsible for domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and child raising. If she was a peasant she would work alongside her husband in the feilds. Women, due to Islamic beleifs, wern't alowed to mix with men in the 'dubar' and had sepearte living quarters. Generally, the social class from one generation in a family was passed down to the next. Members of the Imperial Court during this period included extended family, servants, military officals, administrative officails, musicians and artists.

As a result of the change of system of private property, the taxes increased and the 'zandibars' couldn't pay it so many of the owners lost their land. The meaning of the word 'zandibar' changed from tax collector to wealthy land owner.

The British Raj promised to rule with more respect for local customs, but still had a large influence in the form of Indian institutions and British way of life. Queen Victoria said that they would protect inheritance rights, honour, dignity, wouldn't force Christianity and respect ancient rights and customs. During this time 400 Native States and Princley States continued to be ruled by India Princes. Indian law still had and used a number of different systems, such as 'dubars', that existed under the Mughal Empire. Different ethnic and regious groups were allowed to be taught under different laws, traditions and beliefs.

Suez Canal opens. This causes a major increase in the number of British wives living in India.

The worst famine in Indian history leaves many people devasted and hungry. Six million people died during this period. This is though to be due to the changes in industries, such as the cotton industry, taking up land that would of been used to grow food.

Bubonic plague spreads through India and bad weather causes crops to fail.

Another famine leaves five million people dead.

The total population of India is 294 million, with 62 million in the Princley States, 232 million in British- India and 170, 000 being Europeans.