Write in brief the nature of the English rule in India. 

Answer

Write in brief, the nature of the English rule in India. 

Edmund Burke’s (1729-1797) “Speech on the East India Bill” (1783) gives a clear and sad picture of the English rule in India. The East India Company came as a trader. But later, it became a ruler. Burke saw how the Company used power in the wrong way. His speech shows greed, lies, and cruelty under British rule.

Power without Control: The Company got its power from Parliament. But it used that power for greed. Burke says they were given authority, not full control. They ruled like kings and forgot their duty. Burke says,

“We sold, I admit, all that we had to sell; that is, our authority, not our control. We had not a right to make a market of our duties.”

He wants Parliament to act. If it does not stop them, people will think Britain sold Indian lives for gold.

Buying and Selling: The Company sold kings and rulers like things. Burke says, 

“There is not a single prince…whom they have not sold.” 

They sold Mir Jafar, Mir Kasim, Ragobah, and many others. They even sold the Great Mogul’s lands. These acts were not for peace but for profit. This market-style rule broke trust and caused ruin.

Greed and Tricks: The leaders of the Company only wanted money. They punished good people like Rajah Nundcomar. They made up lies to take gold from the Begums of Oude. Burke says,

“They were accused of rebellion, and they were convicted of wealth.” 

The Company ruled with fear, not care. They destroyed homes and made rich lands poor.

No True Rule: The Company acted like traders, not rulers. They cared only for gain. They broke promises, ruined noble families, and hurt India’s peace. Hastings used fear to stay in power. Anyone who spoke the truth was punished. This was not a rule; it was theft with law.

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