Youngest Governor General of India. Used different policy of annexation but saw himself ending misrule. At the same time he had in his mind the advantages of annexation to the British such as imperial defense, commercial and financial benefits. His great annexations include Punjab, Lower Burma, most of the Central Provinces and Awadh.
Annexed Punjab after 2nd Anglo Sikh War in 1849, and moved to rule it efficiently. Revenue and judicial departments combined, law and procedure simplified as per custom of people.
Doctrine of Lapse - took every opportunity to take over kingdoms by peaceful means. Dalhousie maintained that there was a difference in principle between the right to inherit private property and the right to govern. This principle was called the Doctrine of Lapse. Kingdoms taken - Satara, Jhansi, Nagpur. Withdrawn after 1857.
Awadh - Mismanagement by ruling Nawabs eventually led to British annexation even though they were already a British protectorate. This offended Muslim elite (who lost prestige) and many sepoys who came from Awadh.
Administration - His greatest achievement was the molding of the new provinces into a modern centralized state. For the newly acquired territories, he introduced the centralized control called “Non-Regulation System”, which appointed a Commissioner.
Railways - British introduced Railways in India for three purposes - administration, commercial interests and defense. Guaranteed 5% return to them and govt buying of railway at the end of contract period.
Telegraph & Post - About 4000 miles long telegraph lines were laid before the departure of Dalhousie. During the 1857 Revolt, the system of telegraphic communication proved a boon for the English and the military value of Dalhousie’s creation was much realized at that time. Foundation of modern postal system was laid down, Post Office Act was passed in 1854.
Education - Educational Dspatch of Sir Charles Wood (1854) was considered the “Intellectual Charter of India”. Provided an outline for the comprehensive scheme of education at primary, secondary and collegiate levels. Dalhousie fully accepted the views of Charles Wood and took steps to carry out the new scheme. The Universities of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras were founded in 1857.
He created a separate Public Works Department and allotted more funds for cutting canals and roads. The Upper Ganges Canal was completed in 1854. Many bridges were constructed.
Estimate - He introduced the process of modernization of India. Hence, he is hailed as “the maker of modern India”. However, his policy of annexation came to be one of the direct causes of the mutiny.
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