Describe Burke’s Critique of Hastings in his “Speech on the East India Bill.”

Answer

Describe Burke’s critique of Hastings in his “Speech on the East India Bill.”

Or How does Burke criticize Hastings and his lieutenants/associates in his “Speech on the East India Bill?”

Warren Hastings (1732-1818) was the first Governor-General of India. He served from 1773 to 1785 and was vital in establishing British colonial rule in India. In Edmund Burke’s (1729-1797) December 1, 1783 speech, he criticizes this governor general and his lieutenants for their actions and governance in India. Burke’s main points of criticism are as follows:

Abuse of Absolute Authority: Burke condemns Hastings for assuming absolute authority over Indian rulers and landholders. He quotes Hastings’ doctrine, highlighting that Hastings believed the Company or its delegates had “absolute authority” over zemindars (landholders), requiring “implicit and unreserved obedience” at the risk of their life and property. Burke finds this power extreme and not sanctioned by any “commission, instruction, or act of parliament.”

Unjust Treatment of Cheit Sing: Burke criticizes Hastings for unjustly treating Cheit Sing. Cheit Sing is the Raja of Benares. He points out that Hastings treated Cheit Sing not as a sovereign prince but merely as a subject, imposing heavy fines and penalties based on unfounded accusations. Burke notes that Hastings demanded large sums of money and punished Cheit Sing severely despite the Raja’s compliance with earlier demands.

Lack of Due Process: Burke emphasizes that Hastings did not follow any legal procedures in his dealings with Indian rulers. He states that Hastings never made formal charges, produced witnesses, or held trials. Instead, Hastings acted on “reports, hearsays, appearances, rumours, conjectures, and presumptions,” deciding the guilt of individuals without any formal process.

Destruction of Prosperous Regions: Burke criticizes Hastings for the decline in prosperity in regions under his control. He uses the example of Farruckabad, where Hastings’ policies led to ruin and distress. Initially, a British resident was appointed to protect the region, which showed signs of recovery. However, Hastings later withdrew the resident and allowed the Nabob of Oude’s agents, whom he had previously blamed for the region’s troubles, to take over again, leading to further decline.

Hypocrite Nature: Burke draws the attention of the members of Parliament to the attitude, atrocity, and oppression of the East India Company towards the Indians. Burke Comments:

Through all that vast extent of the country there is not a man who eats a mouthful of rice but by permission of the East India Company.

Burke feels shocked to see the natives of India ruined by the hypocrisy of the Company as well as Warren Hastings.

Nepotism and Favouritism: Burke accuses Hastings of favouritism and nepotism. He (H) enriches his allies while ignoring the merits of others. He mentions that Hastings’ favoured individuals accumulated immense wealth and power. In contrast, those who received praise from the Company’s directors, such as Colonel Monson and General Clavering, suffered from a lack of support and met tragic ends.

In conclusion, Burke’s speech presents a devastating critique of Warren Hastings’ administration in India. It also highlights his abuses of power and the negative impact of his policies on the prosperity of Indian regions. Burke’s detailed accusations are supported by specific examples and quotations from Hastings’ own statements.