Ten and events of my time in india

Front matter

TO

HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY

EMPEESS OF INDIA,

Preface

This work presents to the world a picture of the men and events that have passed 'More me during the thirty years of my life in India. The objects and limits of -the under¬ taking are set forth in the beginning of the introductory chapter, and therefore the preface may he brief. My last book, ‘ India in 1880 / related to external things, to measures of national improvement, to results produced by diverse trains of causes, to the character and disposition of the Natives in masses. But it rarely or never comprised any delineation of individual character. This book, on the contrary, is mainly dovotod to the description of particular men in their public capacities, or to summaries of their official conduct, and of their idiosyncrasies as displayed in the manner whereby they served the country. Moro or loss of space is allotted according to the importance of the parts they played, or the magnitude of the sphere in which their powers found employment. The account given of them is derived from personal knowledge, and nob from annals or records. It therefore is not absolutely complete as a chronicle cither of them or of the circumstances in which they moved. Tor 1 cannot pretend to know everything about tho many persons who are noticed in this work, or to have boon acquainted with all the men and a flairs of a whole generation, in so wide an empire as India, Consequently some well-known events, or some affectionately remembered episodes may ho found to have boon omitted from tho narrative, and may therefore he missed by those who arc familiar with tho time to which it refers. But unions I have actual cognizance of these cases, I do not trouble tho reader with any' history of them, however interesting thoy may be.

vi

PREFACE.

Still, having been thrown into many arenas of labour, and boon brought into contact with many men who have since become famous, I am necessarily conversant with much that may well be stated for the general good. At a time like the present, when the British people take a conscientious interest in the Eastern empire, it behoves every Englishman who possesses knowledge to communicate it to his countrymen in as popular and readable a form as possible. Though I trust that the story, so far as it extends, will be found correct by critics already acquainted with India, yet it is absolutely free from technica¬ lities or from any local expressions which might not he intelli¬ gible to the public in England. Though the composition will, I think, stand the tests which Indian readers may apply, yot it has been studiously designed to suit the English reader.

"While I hope that my work contains much that will h« pleasing to those concerned, I am confident that there is nothing to cause pain to any one. Those have been chosen for mention who from greatness in deed or in station, from nobility of dis¬ position, from proved service, or from excellence of conduct, deserve to be remembered. As I am writing from recollection —verified wherever necessary by reference to records—it is to such characters that my memory clings, and it is the career of snch persons that can be most readily recalled. On the other hand, men of types different from the above doubtless have at various times passed along the stage. But I cannot under¬ take to describe them, or to recollect the faults into which they may have fallen, and the errors which they may have committed. Certainly some national mistakes or shortcomings have to lie acknowledged upon a comprehensive retrospect of affairs. In such instances I have endeavoured to explain how these devia¬ tions happened, in order that the explanation may help in estab¬ lishing sign-posts for the future.

The most salient feature of the book perhaps is the description of several among the greatest Governors-General that have ever held supreme command in India. Chapters VI., VIII., XIV. and XVI. afford a succinct, though I trust a tolerably full’ analysis of the administration and the official character of four

PREFACES.

vil

C5ovomors-CScncral, namely the Marquis of Dulhou'sie, Earl Canning, Sir John Lawrence, and the Earl of Mayo.

My intimate connection officially with John Lawrence, first as his Secretary in the Punjab, next as the Foreign Secretary to his Government of India, and then as his Financial Coun¬ cillor, may perhaps impart the character of a monograph to my account of him; and this account comprehends not only chapter XIV. mentioned abovo, but also chapters IV. and V. Furthor, in chapter IV. there is included a portrait of his celebrated brother Henry.

Some portions of the administration of three Govornors- (leneral, namely Viscount Hardinge, the Earl of Northbrook and Earl Lytton, arc set forth in chapters II., XVTL and XX.

The careers of two provincial Governors, namely James Thomason and Sir Bartlo Frere, are mentioned with some fulness in chapters III., and XII., and considerable reference is made to that of a third, namely Sir George Campbell, in chapter XVIII.

Tn chapters IX. and X. the financial policy is explained of two Finance Ministers who, after having acquired a reputation in England, > were appointed to direct the finances of India, namely James Wilson and Samuel Laing, under both of whom I had the advantage of serving in a confidential capacity. My official intimacy with Wilson during his, too brief, service in India, has enabled me to pourtray accurately the closing pass¬ ages of his most useful life.

Allusion, in some detail, is made to other men of distinction, namely Sir Itobort Montgomery in chapters IV,, V. and VII., Sir Arthur Phayro in chapter X., Sir Philip Wodehouse in chapter XX., Sir Henry Durand in chapter XVI., Sir John Strachoy in chapters XV. and XVI., Bishop Cotton in chapters XL and XIV., and Sir Seymour Fitzgerald in chapter XX. Throughout the book there are many scattered notices of those whose names will hereafter be inscribed in the roll of Anglo- Indian worthies.

Some tribute is paid, in chapters XIV. and XVI., to the services rendered to India by two English jurists, Sir Henry Sumner Maine and Sir James Fitzjames Stephen.

PREFACE.

viii

Several of the missionaries whose talents were equal to their zeal and piety, namely Alexander Duff, William Smith, Stephen Hislop, John Wilson, and Bishop Sargent, are duly mentioned in chapters II., III., XI., XII. and XIX. Emphatic testimony is borne to the efficacy and success of the Christian missions in India.

Further, in the belief that my countrymen desire to know something in regard to the character of those Native princes, who have proved themselves the loyal feudatories of the empire, I have given a sketch of the Maharaja of Pattiala, the Maharaja of Jliind, the Nizam of the Deccan, and the Maharaja of Jycpur —all deceased—in chapters YII. and XIII. Sonus portraiture also is included, in the same chapters, of eminent Native states¬ men, namely Sir Salar Jang, Sir Dinkar Kao, Sir Madhuva Rao, and Jang Behadur. Interspersed throughout the. hook, are. notices of Native worthies who are well known to the European community in India, namely the Kev. Krishna Mohan Banerji, the Kev. Lai Behari Dey, Kcshab Grander Son, Karsundas Mulji of Bombay, Kristo Das Pal of Calcutta and many others. Thoughtful Englishmen will readily perceive that in a vast and progressive community like that of India, there must he. rmute.rons individuals among the Natives, who, though unknown to fame in England, are exercising a potent influence among their countrymen and upon the society in which they move.

For all names and topics, whether European or Native, an index has been prepared wliich will, it is hoped, he. found sufficiently copious to help the reader in referring to particular points without looking through any chapter entirely.

The chapters depicting the life, which is really lived in tins interior of India, are VII. on the war of the Mutinies, XI. on the Central Provinces, XIII. on the Indian Foreign Secretary¬ ship, and XVIII. on the administration of Bengal. Chapter XIII. also pourtrays the court and camp in a Native State of the first rank.

Although the hook is not written at all for the purpose of describing the beauties of nature or of art, which have bmi already described in‘India in 1880 ,' still there are some de¬ lineations of the scenery in the vale of Caslunir, tlm eastern

PREFACE. ix

Himalayas, the river kingdom of Bengal and the Western Ghat mountains.

Lastly, although the work is meant to comprise narrative rather than disquisition, yet there is in the introductory chapter a suinmaiy of the progressive results achieved during the last generation, and of the evils which still remain to be remedied; while the concluding chapter XXI. contains a specific discus¬ sion of the questions, social and political, which most nearly concern the welfare of the Natives and the position of the British Government.

R T.

0 0 N T E N T 8.

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION.—CONTRACT BETWEEN TIIK OIRCnMHTANOKS OF INDIA

IN TUB YEARN 1847 AND 1881.

MO*

Aspect of affairs in 1847—iioHpocting public establishments—Internal administration—Condition of tbo Natives—Improved aspect of affairs in 1881—Administrative changes—Foreign trade—Advancement of the Natives—Development of resources—National progress generally —Rut many evils still existing—Encouragement for the future . 1

Chapter II. Close Of Lori) Hardinoe’s Administration

East India Company’s College at Hailoybnry in Hertfordshire—Overland voyage to India—Calcutta in 1847—Daniel Wilson, Bishop of Cal¬ cutta—Alexander Duff and Scottish Froo Church Mission—Marshman and Baptist Mission at Herampur—Remembrance of Lord Ellonbormigh—Lord Ilardinge Governor-General—His campaign in the Batiej—His general administration—Public sentiment regarding him—My journey in the Gangetic valley ..... 18

Chapter III

thomakon’k oovkunmbnt in the north-western provinces.

City of Bonares—Church of England missions there—First impressions regarding the Natives and the country—Life in camp—Beanes at Agra and Allahabad—Second Panjab War—Popular estimate of Ixird Gough—Thomason Lieutenant-Governor—Ilia personal charac¬ teristics—His method o( governing—Objects of his policy—Land settlement—Village communities—Primary education—The Ganges Canal—Traiuing of Natives as civil engineers—Thomason’s death —Affectionate respect for his memory ..... 31

Contents

xii

Chapter IV. (1849-1853.)

DUUMVIRATE IN THE PANJAB OF THE LAWRENCE BROTHERS.

I'A(3 K

Journey to the Panjab—First visit to Simla—Settlement work—Im¬ pressions regarding Lahore—Board of Administration for the Pan jab —Henry and John Lawrence, contrast between the two—Tt ansi tion from Native to British rule—Trans-Indus border and Panjab frontier force—Protected Native States—Native aristocracy under the British system—Internal administration—Development of material resources —Provincial finance—Popularity of system pursued by the Board —Its characteristics and results . . . . . . 51

Chapter V. (1854-1858.)

JOHN LAWRENCE ADMINISTRATOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE PANJAU.

John Lawrence appointed Chief Commissioner—Montgomery, Ed mon¬ stone and Maclcod his coadjutors — The Panjab Civil Code — Completion of the land revenue settlement—Progress of material improvement—Military expeditions on the Trans-Indus frontier— Afghanistan and Central Asia—Summary of John Lawrence’s jKilicy and conduct in the Punjab—Advance of the province moral ly and materially.Bit

Chapter VI. (1848-1858.)

DALIIOUSIE THE GREAT FROCONSUL.

Popular estimate in India of Lord Dalhousio—Varying lx‘tween extremes of favour and disfavour — His published Minutes—His several annexations of Native States—Ilis faith in British rule—His military arrangements—IIis controversy with Bir Charles Napier —His measures for the pacification of newly annexed Province*—His policy regarding Public Works—His plans for railways and the Electric Telegraph—Ilis reform of the Indian Post-office lie gives effect to educational scheme of Bir Charles Wood—IBs jK>Iiry resecting legislation—His general conduct—His ]ntraonal eajaieity , „ 10’J

THE WAR OF THE MUTINIES*

Spread of mutiny in tho Native army wholly unexpected --Colin Campbell (Lord Clyde) encamped at Cnwnpory—Delhi after ifa and recapture by tbo British—Memory of General .Mm NicUolwiii —General Sir Novillo Chamberlain—The Mo«ul ox-K«ij*(mr-Tli« loyal Sikh States—Tho ruler of Jantnm and Oaii)nuir--Altl« con*

CONTENTS.

JPAGI5

duct of Sir Robert Montgomery—Sir Bartle Frero in Sind—Tjffoct produced upon the Panjab by the war of the Mutinies—Excitement among the Sikhs—John Lawrence’s prudence during this critical time —Ilis views regarding Peshawar—Proclamation of the assump¬ tion by the Queen of the Government of India—-Mutinous behaviour of some of the .East India Company’s European troops—Visit to Cashmir.. . 120

Chapter VIII. (1850-1850.)

CANNING THK JUST.

Contrast between Canning and his predecessor Paihousie—Canning undertakes war with Persia—His conduct after the outburst of the mutinies in northern India—His policy towards the Natives in dis¬ turbed districts—-His temporary unpopularity at Calcutta and else¬ where—His management of military affairs—His relations with Sir Hugh Pose (now LordStratlmaim),Oommandcr-in-Clnef—Hissupjiort accorded to George Balfour and the Military Finance department—He proceeds with the nwirganissation of the police for India—1 lis civil and political administration—His principal advisers and Councillors—

His departure from India—Death of Lady Canning at Calcutta , 10-1

Chapter IX. Jamkh Wilson Tiik Economist

James Wilson arrives in India as Finance Minister—His tour in northern India—His financial budget produced at Calcutta—His measures of taxation—His project of a Government paper currency His influence in tbo reduction of civil and military expenditure—In the ro-organimtion of the ]>olice—In the enquiry into the indigo riots in Bengal—Ilis untimely death at Calcutta—Summary of his policy in India.1HI>

Interval between death of Wilson and arrival of his successor—My deputation to Pegu—City of Rangftn—Sir Arthur Pkayro Com¬ missioner—River Irawaddy and city of Promo—View at Moulmein —Chief Commissionorship of British Burma—Samuel LaingarrivoH at Calcutta as successor to Wilson—Contrast lietwoon the two statesmen—Laing produces financial budget—Introduces a modified scheme of Government paper currency—Prosecutes reduction of civil and military expenditure—Assists in abolition of the Indian Navy—Produces second budget—My deputation to Hyderabad in the Deccan, to Nagpur and Jabalpur.208 xiv

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XL

( 1862 - 1866 .)

THE CENTRAL PROVINCES.

Beginning of Lord Elgin’s administration — Chief Commissionornhip of the Central Provinces—Scenery of the Satpura mountains— Disbandment of the Nagpur force—The Mahrattas of Nagpur— Their landed tenures—Visit of Bishop Cotton—Education of tho • people—Scottish mission—Aboriginal races—Forests and forestry —Wild beasts—Roads and railways—Project for navigating the Godavery—Desolate country near the Mahanaddy river—General administration of the Provinces.

CHAPTER XII.

( 1862 - 1860 .)

SIR BARTLE ERERE AND WESTERN INDIA.

Beginning of Sir Bartle Frore’s Government—Brincijial memlwx of du> European community of Bombay—Of the Native community— Public works—Railways—Native cliiofs—Education — Legislative Council—Land revenue settlement—Effect on Bombay of the American civil war—Unwise speculation—Commercial failure— Native munificence—Public Buildings in Bombay—instruction in Art —Departure of Sir Bartle Frerc-Summury of hm public character

CHAPTER XHf.

(1867-1888.)

' THE INDIAN FOREIGN SECRETARYHIIH*.

The political or diplomatic department of the Indian service. The dominions of the Nizam—Tlio British Resident at his court Character of the Nizam—Salar Jang his Minister—The Arab chiefs and troops-l’he Nizam’s army-The finances of bis government

fi r* ! r °°.r try ~^ fe ftt “» ca Ptf.*l—T’hti province of

Berar-Project of a mlway-My departure from Hydembad-Vioit

Affair^? ° ha ^ e ° f the Indiaa F “ mi « n &*wlnry„hjp .

Affairs of Afghanistan—Eminent Native princes in India. Native statesmen and administrators ,

CHAPTER XIV.

(1884-1888.)

JOHN LAWHKNCIB AS VtOKEOY.

Awival of John Lawrence at Calcutta as Viceroy-The North w» frontier-The Bbotan war-Barraeks for the Ln 1 lhe hamtary Department—Summer residence at Simla for U. ovemmont of India-Tenant-righl in Oudh-l’rojxwals for mueml

CONTENTS.

xv

PAOE

ing the permanent settlement—The famine in Orissa—Canals of irrigation—Development of the railway system—The Bishopric of Calcutta, George Cotton and Hubert Milman—Progress of legislation Henry Stunner Maine—Leave and furlough rules for the civil and military services—Financial management—Iterations with Afghanis¬ tan—Affairs of Central Asia —John Lawrence’s departure from India ........... 310

CHAPTER XV.

(1808-1873.)

TI1K FINANCE MlNIHTEltSHIP.

William Massey Finance Minister of India—My appointment to succeed hint—Close of John Lawrence's linancial administration — Lord Mayo’s financial policy—My first budget for 1800-70—The income

tax—Budget for 1870-1.Increase in rate of income-tax—Financial

surplus—Budget for 1,871-2—Hchemo of provincial services—Con¬ tinuance of surplus-—Budget for 1872-3 maintaining income-tax for one year—Budget; for 1873-4 and remission of income-tax— Summary of financial result—Establishment of financial surplus— Buoyauoy of public funds and Government securities—Progress of trade.3*13 i/ntn mayo's Indian oaukmu.

I/orcl Mayo arrives at Calcutta succeeding John Lawrence—Receives visit from Blur Ali, Amir of Oaubul—Boundary between Afghanistan and Central Asia-*-Relations with Persia—Expedition against trills cm (‘astern border of India —Sir Henry Durand in the Panjab—Army expenses and accommodation for European troops—Lord Mayo's internal administration-- Ho beslows special euro upu finance— Causes increased control to bo entrusted to provincial Governments over certain dejiartmentB—Promotes public works, railways and canals— Endeavours to establish a Department of Agriculture— Progress of legislation—Visit of H.U.IL the Duke of Edinburgh— Murder of Acting Chief Justice Norman—Assassination of lx>rd Mayo in the Andaman Islands—Funeral ceremonies at Calcutta . 305

CHAPTER XVII.

(1872-1874.)

State of public opinion after the death of Lord Mayis—Lord Napier acta m Governor-General—fhe financial budget- Riots in the Punjab —Lord Northbrook assumes charge of the Government of India— Voyages down the Indus and visits Bombay—-Itemission of the ineom«*t»x—Drought in Behar amt northern Bengal—Importation

CONTENTS.

xvi of grain by Government—Organization of transport—Character and extent of famine—Estimate prepared beforehand of cost to }«> incurred in relief—Employment of distressed j>oor and gratuitous succour to the infirm—Reserve of Government grain—Public criti¬ cism on relief measures—Native opinion thereon . , .

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE GOVERNMENT OF BENGAL.

Administration of Sir George Campbell as Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal—Locomotion in the rainy season—Voyage on tin* great rivers of Bengal—The country boats—Floating cities —lVltaiu forests—Chittagong and the eastern frontier—The sights of (Orissa —The aspect of Calcutta—Elective franchise in its municipality - The Bengal legislature—Sketch of the principal Native gentlemen- Christian missions—The Brahmo sect—Merits and demerits of the high education—Improved standard of morality—Death of Bishop Milman—Interior of the country—Security of life amt prujwty* Agrarian affairs—The Courts of Wards—The peasantry of Behnr —Popularity of the Civil Courts—Summer residence at Darjiling in the Himalayas—Scenery of Sikhiiri—Terrific cychmo in the estuary of the Mcgna—Departure of Lord Napier of Magi lain Visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales—Lord Nnrfhbrwk k succeeded by Lord Lytton as Governor-General—My drjtarture to join the imperial assemblage at Delhi. 407

CHAPTER XIX.

THE AFFAIRS OF SOUTHERN INDIA.

My deputation to the distressed parts of the Madras Presidency to make enquiries and offer suggestions—Communlrathms with the Governor, the Duke of Buckingham—Condition of the drought-stricken districts in the north—The ruined city of Bijayimagur— Famished fugitives betake themselves to the city of Mmim-Comlttion of the southern districts-Arcot, Trichinoply, Madura ami Imnevelly— Christianity among the Natives of the southern peninsula —Bishops Serjeant and Caldwell—The Roman OnihuUv clergy and community-The Native stage of My#ore-Suh«twm,i of my report on the famine in southern India during its earlier aiagw - destruction of the forests—Conduct of the people during the distress. 4:U*

CHAPTER XX.

(1877-1880.)

THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY.

Sir Philip Wodehouse Governor of Bombay-He adminiatm relief ,.f famine - Burned city of Bijapnr - Plague fl f vermin ... Partial

CONTENTS.

xvii indebtedness of the ipeasantry—Railways and canals for irrigation Serious gang-robberies on the Deccan—Preservation of the forests —Nalivc states of Kathiawar—The Legislative Council—Character of the principal Natives—The University—National education— rini High Court—The city of Bombay — Despatch of troops to Ma 11a r i he Bom bay anny—Rajputana and Central India—The province of Sind — The transport for the Army in southern Afghanistan—The railway from the Indus towards Candahar—My return to Bombay and departure for England .... 457

CHAPTER XXL

Conclusion

Important questions relating to the effect of British rule upon the people—Their material condition now as compared with former times— The new or Western education—Originality of mind in the Natives—-Progress of Christianity in reference to the heathen religions—Ambition and aspirations of educated Natives—Array of political forces on the side of, or militating against, British rule —Loyalty and trustworthiness in many classes, elements of trouble

in others- Substantial safety of British rule* -.Suure.es of its stability

and causes of its permanency . 489 erratum.

Page 399, fifth lino from bottom, for one of the points.”’

“ to r ’f tlio points" rtiul “fomry

MEN AND EVENTS OF MY TIME IN INDIA.

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION.—'CONTRAST BETWEEN TIIK CIRCUMSTANCES OR INDIA IN THE YEARS 1847 AND 1881.

Aspoct of affairs in. 1847—liespouting public establishments — Internal administration—Condition of tho Natives—Improved aspect of affairs in 1881 — Administrative changes — Foreign trade—Advancement of tho Natives—Development of resources—National progress generally—But many evils still existing—Eneourogomont for tho future.

En this work some account will ho given of tho statesmen I have mot or known, and of the events with which I have been acquainted, during my timo in India from 1847 to 1880. Without attempting any autobiography, I shall have occasionlily to mention my own proceedings in order to explain my knowledge of tlic affairs described. Tho narrative will ho confined to what I have seen and heard, or what was gathered it the place and the time of the occurrences. I do not, there¬ fore, undurtako a contemporary history which would be pre¬ pared after reference to records and annals; although 1 hopo bo contribute towards such history some testimony of use and interest. My contribution will, indeed, relate to many of the most important men and affairs during tho time under con¬ sideration. Still, if this story shall be found to omit the notice 3f some men and events, or to mention others but imperfectly, my explanation must be that I was not so fortunate as to meet those men at tho time, or did not happen to witness those events. In brief, I shall state only what I can attest per¬ il

MEN AND EVENTS OF MY TIME IN INDIA. Chap. i.

sonally, and not what might have been ascertained from study or investigation. Even with this limitation, however, the sub¬ jects which present themselves in relation to a chequered and eventful period are numerous and diversified.

The time under review comprises one whole generation of men, perhaps the most important that has ever passed over India. In it are compressed more striking changes than in all the preceding times of British rule, or in any of the recent ages before British rule. Other generations had seen wars, conquests, and revolutions, the annihilation of ancient institutions, and the substitution of new systems. This generation also beheld events of a like nature, though perhaps on a greater scale; for it witnessed the collection of the largest British force over assem¬ bled on a single battle-field in India, and the fall of several kingdoms of the first rank among Native .States. More than all this, however, it felt the shock of a mutiny and rebellion which convulsed half the Indian empire and shook the British power to the very foundations. It saw, too, the abolition of the East India Company, the grandest private corporat ion that ever existed, and the assumption of direct admmistrultvo functions by the Queen of England as Empress of India. Further, it has known changes, moral and material, of which previous times afford no example. The magnitude and rapidity of these changes can ho appreciated only by contrasting tlm circumstances of India in 1847 and 1881.

In 1847 the time-honoured East India Company had consoli¬ dated what was then in effect, and has since been formally styled an empire under the Crown of England. Tim Company had completed the pacification of these widely extended terri¬ tories after a protracted anarchy, so that order hiul everywhere replaced disorder, and the “pax Itomami” was reigning through¬ out the country. The European soldiers were eompamtivelj few in number, and bore a much smaller proportion to t he too ' armed force of the country than they now Item-. They \ lodged in barracks which would nowadays be eondett

Chap. i. PAST CONDITION OP BRITISH INDIA. 3

Though in bravery and endurance they attained a standard which will scarcely bo surpassed, their habits were often intemperate, and some of their surroundings were objection¬ able. "While the greater part of these troops belonged to the Royal army, the remainder were raised separately in England for the service of the East India Company. On the other hand, the Native army was maintained in imposing strength, vastly outnumbering the European troops, and confidence was generally placed in its fidelity.

While the religion, the customs, and even the prejudices of the Natives were scrupulously respected for the most part, still some social reforms had been introduced, some semi-barbarous rites and usages suppressed, and some extraordinary crimes extirpated. A series of laws termed Regulations had been elaborately framed by non-professional hands; it was only in the department of criminal law that the basis of legislation was scientifically laid. At the Presidency towns there sat Crown tribunals, styled Supremo Courts, sepa¬ rate from the courts established by the Company. The supre¬ macy of the civil law had boon established, and a judicial system after a fashion was set up. All that proved good in the Native management of the laud revonuo had been studiously preserved, and many evil practices eliminated. Largo proprietors of laud, aftor the model of English land¬ lords, had boon long previously created in Bengal proper, and some adjacent provinces. Peasant proprietors had recently by a formal settlement been recognized in the North-western Provinces. The principle of fixing the revenue demand for long periods was declared, so that the landowners might enjoy the fruits (if their improvements; and similar settlements for western and southern India were being prepared. Tenant-right, though much discussed, yet remained in a doubtful and prejarious condition. A multitude of transit-duties and other mposts which fettered trade had boon removed, but a long nland customs line for salt and sugar was organized in the icart of the country. The three Presidency seaports of Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay had been developed; the foreign trade

MEN AND EVENTS OF MY TIME IN INDIA. Chap. i.

was growing to dimensions which were then esteemed to be large, but would now be thought small. The overland route by Egypt had been established for passengers, letters and valuables; but the bulk of the merchandise was still carried by sailing ships round the Cape of Good Hope. Measures were adopted for the introduction of the tea-plant, but tea¬ planting was not really established, and coffee-planting had hardly begun. The exportation of jute-fibre was unknown; and the manufacture of cotton piece-goods after the European model by machinery was not contemplated. Coal was believed to exist, but no mines or seams were worked to any appreciable extent.

The rules fxamed for enabling the European officers of the Government, both civil and military, to restore their health after sickness, were liberal indeed, but antiquated in principle, and unsuited to the circumstances of the time. A sick officer might repair to Australia, South Africa, or the Mauritius, but not to Europe or to his native land. Members of the Cove¬ nanted Civil Service were still nominated under the patronage of the Directors of the East India Company.

The antiquities of the country had been explored by researches which will ever remain famous, and which, if they be equalled in the future, will hardly bo surpassed. The study^ of Oriental languages was promoted, and superior education introduced among the upper and middle classes on European principles, the palpable errors of the Asiatic system having been abandoned. But primaiy education for the masses had hardly been attempted, and a department of public instruc¬ tion was not as yet set up in each province. Though one important sect of Hindu religious reformers had arisen, still the vast majority of educated Hindus continued to profess the Brahminical religion; and the Hindu faith had not thus for been shaken at the principal centres of civilization. .Female education had scarcely begun among the middle and lower classes; while among the upper classes the apartments of the ladies were closed against educational enlightenment Christian missions had been established by missionaries whose '

Chap. i. EAST INDIA COMPANY’S RULE. 5

labours adorned the annals of the Protestant church. But the mission-stations were few and far between, the Native converts were in scattered congregations mustering a few hundreds in this province or in that, and numbering perhaps some tons of thousands in the whole country. Postal lines had ramified throughout the land, but the increase of correspondence was impeded by a costly postage varying according to distance. The speed of communication was very poor; a letter required a week to arrive at a destination which is now readied in a day. The police had been established on the old Native modes, and was not only corrupt, but destitute of such organization as might be expected to produce efficiency. The prisons wore conscientiously managed according to the light of those days, but their construction was faulty, their management unscientific, and their supervision incomplete in reference to the notions of the present time. Medical instruction was afforded to Native students in limited numbers, also a body of Native surgeons and physicians had been organized as subsidiary to the corps of European medical officers. Dispensaries had boon opened at many places, and vaccination was introduced. But sanitation, as now understood, liad not yet been contem¬ plated. The emoluments of native mployfa were indeed higher than they had over been under Native rule, but yet insufficient to secure integrity. Erom this cause, in conjunc¬ tion with other causes, corruption was the rule and honesty the exception; even the Native judges wore for the most part distrusted. Native officials were not advanced to any appoint¬ ments of authority or importance in the service of Government, nor admitted to the ranks of the Covenanted Civil Service. Private and independent Native gentlemen were seldom en¬ trusted with honorary functions for the public good.

Attention had been given to material improvement so far as was possible with the limited moans at the <lispostd of the Government. The principle of borrowing capita for reproduc¬ tive public works had not been entertained. The old works of irrigation originally constructed by tho Native rulers had boon maintained for tho most part, and, in some cases, improved. (»uo

6 MEN AND EVENTS OF MY TIME IN INDIA. Chap.

new canal, that of the Ganges, was in progress; but the great system of irrigation, which is now so fatuous, was then in its infancy. Road-making in a professional style had been undor- . taken; macadamized roadways to a limited extent existed m some provinces; hut of the trunk lines, which are nowadays the veins and arteries of the country, few had advanced beyond the initiatory stage. Steamers were plying on the rivers of liengal and rendered to the community much service, which is now' better performed by the railroads. But coasting steamers for the. extensive and populous coasts were unknown, and the. only con¬ venient communication for travellers between Calcutta Madras and Bombay was by the fortnightly steamships of the Peumsular and Oriental Company. Much of the postal mail-lino between Bombay and Calcutta ran through forests sparsely in¬ habited, abounding in malaria, and infested by wild beasts. The introduction of railways was being discussed in general' terms only, but no definite arrangement had been formed Under all these circumstances the difficulties of communication and tra¬ velling at that time between the widely distant parts of those vast territories were such as would hardly be conceived. In an empire containing a million and a half of s< t mire miles— where, owing to unavoidably fro,,nont changes, Urn for locomotion woe constat-journeys several hundred miles long were of common occurrence. Nuch journeys use,! to 1„. performed during the night-time, nt the nile ofibrly mile, i„ each twenty-four home, the traveller resting during Um time and halting at intervals. The passage Iron, Calcutta to elln, which now takes forty-eight limns hy rail, then took from three to four weeks. The ordinary means „f conveyance was a palangum, holding one person, and home hy eight men, relieved by relays of bearers at stages of ten mile.,. |„ t |„. North