Delhi in the 19th Century: Mughal Court, Company Raj, 1857 & its Aftermath

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Delhi in the 19th Century: Mughal Court, Company Raj, 1857 & its Aftermath

In this post, notes of “Unit 1: Delhi in the 19th Century – Mughal Court, Company Raj, 1857 and its Aftermath“ from “GE: Delhi through the Ages: From Colonial to Contemporary Times” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.

Introduction to 19th Century Delhi:

Delhi in the 19th Century
Delhi – Wikimedia Commons

Overview of Delhi’s History:

The 19th century was a time of big changes for Delhi. The city went from being the center of the cto being ruled by the British. At the beginning of the century, Delhi was still important to the Mughal Empire, but the British East India Company was gaining more control.

The British took over Delhi more strongly after the Mughal Empire weakened in the mid-18th century. During the 19th century, Delhi changed from being the capital of the Mughals to a key city under British rule in northern India.

Key Events and Changes:

  1. Decline of the Mughal Empire: In the early 19th century, the Mughal Empire was getting weaker. Emperor Shah Alam II was still the ruler in name, but he relied on the British East India Company for help, which increased British control over Delhi. The Mughal court became mostly ceremonial and had less political power.
  2. British East India Company: By the early 19th century, the British East India Company had established strong control in India. They ran Delhi, with Company officials handling important government tasks. The Mughal Emperor lived in the Red Fort but had little real power. The British made all the important decisions for the area.
  3. The 1857 Revolt (First War of Indian Independence): A major event in 19th century Delhi was the 1857 uprising, known as the First War of Indian Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny. It started with Indian soldiers rebelling against the British East India Company and spread across northern India. Delhi became a key site of the rebellion when Indian fighters, led by Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, took control of the city. The British reacted with force, and after months of fighting, they retook Delhi in September 1857.
  4. Aftermath of 1857: After the British crushed the revolt, Delhi changed drastically. The British completely ended the Mughal Empire. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, was sent into exile, and the British took control of the Red Fort. Instead of Mughal rulers, the British directly governed India, starting the British Raj in 1858.
  5. Changes under British Rule: After the revolt, the British modernized Delhi. They built new roads, railways, and telegraph lines. They also planned new areas, including New Delhi, which would later become the capital of British India.

By the end of the century, Delhi had turned into a colonial city, still showing some Mughal influence but now firmly under British control, setting the stage for more changes in the 20th century.

The Mughal Court in the Early 19th Century:

Decline of Mughal Power:

By the early 19th century, the Mughal Empire was weakening after many problems in the 18th century. The rulers lost power due to several reasons:

  • Weak Leaders: After Aurangzeb died in 1707, the Mughal Empire had weak rulers who were either not good at leading or too young. They did not have the strong military skills needed, causing political trouble.
  • Loss of Control: The Mughal Empire, which was once strong and united, began to lose control. Regional groups like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs started to become independent.
  • Invasions: The empire faced attacks from outsiders, like Nadir Shah from Persia in 1739 and Ahmed Shah Durrani from Afghanistan. These invasions weakened the Mughal military and economy.
  • British Power: By the late 18th century, the British East India Company was gaining power in India. By the early 19th century, they were the main power in the region, with the Mughal Emperor having only a symbolic role.

Key Figures and Their Roles:

Several important people influenced the Mughal court in the early 19th century:

  1. Shah Alam II (Reigned 1712-1748, 1759-1788): Shah Alam II was the Mughal Emperor at the start of the 19th century. He ruled only over Delhi and nearby areas. After Nadir Shah’s invasion, he could not restore the empire’s strength and relied on the British East India Company for support.
  2. Akbar Shah II (Reigned 1806-1837): Akbar Shah II was the son of Shah Alam II and ruled as a weak king. The British East India Company had more control in Delhi, and he mostly had a ceremonial role, struggling to keep his position.
  3. Bahadur Shah Zafar (Reigned 1837-1857): Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor. He hoped to revive the empire but could not stop its decline. His leadership during the 1857 uprising made him important in Indian history. After the British defeated the rebellion, he was exiled, ending the Mughal Empire.

Cultural and Architectural Contributions:

Even though Mughal political power was decreasing, the court still supported culture, art, and architecture in the early 19th century.

  • Cultural Contributions:
  • Literature and Poetry: The Mughal court was a center for Persian and Urdu literature, with many poets and writers supported by it, including Bahadur Shah Zafar. Delhi’s cultural life thrived despite political decline, with famous literary figures like Mirza Ghalib emerging.
  • Music and Arts: The court continued to support music, dance, and visual arts, preserving Mughal traditions and enriching Delhi’s culture.
  • Architectural Contributions: Despite declining power, Delhi remained architecturally impressive, with many important buildings being constructed or renovated. Key highlights include:
  • Red Fort: Built by Shah Jahan, it continued to be the center of Mughal power, though its importance faded with British control.
  • Jama Masjid: Also built by Shah Jahan, it stayed an important religious and architectural site, symbolizing a declining empire.
  • Bahadur Shah Zafar’s Palace: He made some changes to his residence in the Red Fort, marking the last days of Mughal architectural greatness.
  • Gardens and Mansions: Mughal architecture focused on beautiful gardens and elegant houses, influenced by Persian designs with symmetry and water features.

Though the Mughal Empire lost much power by the early 19th century, its cultural and architectural legacy continued to shape Delhi. The Mughal court remained a significant symbol of India’s past, even as British control grew stronger.

The Company Raj:

British East India Company Rule:

The British East India Company (EIC) was important in starting British control in India, including Delhi. The Company began its rule in the early 1700s and gained more power after the Mughal Empire weakened.

  1. Battle of Plassey (1757): The Company became powerful after winning the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This victory helped them take control of Bengal and expand their power in India, including Delhi.
  2. Mughal Decline: By the late 1700s, the Mughal Empire had fallen apart, and Delhi was under the Mughal Emperor, but the British East India Company had most of the real power. The Mughal emperor was mostly a puppet of the British.
  3. Treaty of Allahabad (1765): The Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 formalized British control, allowing the Company to collect taxes in Bengal and influence Delhi. The Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II, kept the throne but depended on the British for safety.

By the early 1800s, the Company had full control in India. Lord Lake and Lord Hastings were key leaders who helped expand British power through military efforts. By then, the British had a strong grip on Delhi, while the Mughal emperor remained just a figurehead.

Changes in Administration and Economy:

The British East India Company made important changes in Delhi’s government and economy:

  1. Centralized Administration:
  1. The British set up a centralized government where British officials controlled important roles. The British Resident in Delhi managed the Mughal court and the city.
  2. The Mughal Emperor’s court, still in the Red Fort, lost real power. The British created their own courts, police, and civil services to run daily affairs.
  3. Delhi was included in the North-Western Provinces under British control, with a system of districts to maintain order.
  4. Economic Exploitation:
  1. The British aimed to take resources from India for their own gain. They focused on collecting taxes and exporting products like textiles, spices, and indigo.
  2. Land Revenue System: The British introduced a tax system, starting with the Permanent Settlement (1793) in Bengal, which was later used in other areas. This increased taxes and burdened local farmers while enriching the British.
  3. De-industrialization and Trade Control: The British weakened local industries, replacing them with raw material exports. This caused economic problems and job losses in many traditional sectors.
  4. Infrastructure Development: The British also built some modern infrastructure, like railways, telegraph lines, and roads, leading to some improvements in transport and communication in Delhi.

Impact on Local Society and Culture:

The British East India Company’s rule greatly affected the society and culture in Delhi and India:

  1. Social and Cultural Changes:
  1. The Mughal elite lost power and wealth under British rule, leading to a decline in Mughal culture.
  2. Cultural Shift: While Mughal emperors supported the arts, the British focused more on governance. They introduced Western education and ideas, leading to a new Indian elite that was educated in English.
  3. Education System: The British created a Western-style education system, with institutions like Delhi College (founded in 1792) offering Western knowledge to a few Indian elites. Many people remained excluded from this education.
  4. Social Reforms: British rule encouraged reform movements led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy who sought to modernize Indian society and challenge outdated practices.
  5. Economic Displacement:
  1. The economic changes caused hardship for many. Farmers faced heavy taxes while local industries suffered from cheap British imports.
  2. The urban middle class in Delhi faced difficulties as many artisans and traders lost their livelihoods due to British policies.
  3. This led to rural migration to cities like Delhi, increasing urban poverty and overcrowding.
  4. Decline of Traditional Institutions:
  1. Traditional Muslim institutions like madrasas faced neglect from the British, who preferred a more secular system. The cultural life of the city changed under British rule.
  2. The British also replaced traditional village governance with their own appointed officials.
  3. Resistance to British Rule:
  1. As British control grew, discontent among the local population rose, leading to the 1857 Revolt, which started in Delhi. This revolt showed strong resistance from Indian soldiers and civilians against British policies.
  2. The rebellion was fueled by anger over oppressive policies and the loss of Indian culture. It also marked the beginning of growing nationalist feelings that would later drive India’s fight for independence.

In summary, the Company Raj changed Delhi’s political, social, and economic landscape. While the British East India Company’s rule brought some modernization, it also led to exploitation and challenges for many Indians. These changes paved the way for future political movements and resistance that contributed to India’s independence in the 20th century.

The Revolt of 1857:

Causes and Key Events:

The Revolt of 1857, also called the First War of Indian Independence, was an important uprising against British rule in India. Various reasons, both immediate and long-term, led to widespread anger among the Indian people.

  1. Military Discontent:
  1. Sepoy Grievances: A main cause of the revolt was the unhappiness of the sepoys (Indian soldiers) in the British East India Company’s army. In 1857, the British introduced a new rifle with cartridges believed to be greased with cow and pig fat, upsetting both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. This caused unrest among Indian soldiers.
  2. Harsh Conditions: The sepoys were also unhappy about their poor treatment, low pay, lack of promotions, and being sent far from their homes and families.
  3. Cultural and Religious Tensions:
  1. British Cultural Imposition: The British imposed Western culture and education, upsetting Indian traditions. This made many conservative communities angry.
  2. Religious Conversions: Many Indians worried that the British wanted to convert them to Christianity, increasing religious tensions.
  3. Economic Exploitation:
  4. British policies exploited Indian resources, causing widespread poverty. High taxes and changes to the land revenue system hurt many farmers and artisans.
  5. Political Factors:
  1. Annexation of Indian States: The British took over large parts of India, which angered local rulers and soldiers. The annexation of Awadh (Oudh) in 1856 upset many, including local nobility.
  2. Loss of Prestige for Ruling Classes: Removing local rulers, including the Nawabs of Awadh, was seen as an insult to traditional Indian leaders.

Major Battles and Leaders:

The revolt spread across India, with major battles between Indian rebels and British forces. Key leaders emerged during this time.

  1. Delhi:
  1. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, became the symbolic leader of the revolt. He supported the rebellion and aimed to restore Mughal power, despite having little military strength.
  2. The British targeted Zafar to weaken the rebellion. He was captured and exiled after the British regained control of Delhi in September 1857.
  3. The Siege of Delhi (May-September 1857):
  1. Delhi became the main center of the revolt when sepoys mutinied at the Red Fort. The rebels took over the city, and Zafar was named ruler of independent Delhi.
  2. The British quickly attacked to reclaim the city, leading to intense fighting. They regained control in September, and Zafar was captured.
  3. Kanpur:
  4. Nana Sahib, the adopted son of the Peshwa, led a significant resistance at Kanpur. After initial success, he was forced to retreat following a British counter-attack, which was fueled by the massacre of British women and children.
  5. Lucknow:
  6. Begum Hazrat Mahal, the wife of the exiled Nawab of Awadh, led the defense of Lucknow for several months before the British recaptured the city.
  7. Jhansi:
  8. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi became a famous leader of the revolt. She fiercely resisted British attempts to annex Jhansi but was eventually defeated.

Role of Delhi in the Revolt:

Delhi was central to the 1857 Revolt:

  1. Symbolic Heart of the Revolt:
  2. Delhi was significant both as the home of the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and as a center of resistance. Its fall to the British marked the end of the revolt.
  3. The Siege and Aftermath:
  4. The siege of Delhi involved months of fierce fighting. The British response was harsh, leading to severe punishment for the rebels and destruction in the city.
  5. The End of Mughal Power:
  6. The fall of Delhi ended the Mughal dynasty, with Zafar exiled and British control established, marking the start of direct British rule in India.

In summary, the Revolt of 1857 was an important event in Indian history, driven by various grievances. Delhi played a key role in the revolt, and its capture by the British marked the beginning of direct British rule in India. Although the revolt failed, it laid the groundwork for India’s future struggle for independence.

5. Aftermath of the Revolt:

Effects on Delhi and Its People:

The Aftermath of the Revolt of 1857 brought serious problems for Delhi and its people. The British reacted harshly, and Delhi faced a lot of destruction.

  1. Destruction of Delhi:
  1. After the British took back Delhi in September 1857, they caused massive damage. British troops led by John Nicholson destroyed many places, including the Red Fort, where the revolt started. Much of the city was left in ruins.
  2. Many people in Delhi suffered. Rebels were executed or jailed, and entire neighborhoods were destroyed. The British tore down important buildings like mosques, palaces, and mansions to remove signs of the uprising.
  3. The Fate of Bahadur Shah Zafar:
  4. The last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was captured and found guilty of supporting the revolt. He was sent into exile in Rangoon (Yangon), Burma. This ended the Mughal dynasty, which had ruled India for over 300 years.
  5. Mass Executions and Punishments:
  1. The British severely punished anyone linked to the revolt. Thousands were executed, including leaders and ordinary people. Public executions were held to scare others from rebelling.
  2. The British also punished all of Delhi’s people, seizing land, imprisoning many, and inflicting torture. The once-powerful Mughal nobles lost their status and wealth.
  3. Displacement of People:
  4. The number of people in Delhi dropped significantly. Many fled to escape violence, and others left due to destruction and lack of resources. Many Muslims who supported the revolt faced harsh treatment, leading to many moving away from Delhi.

Changes in British Rule and Policies:

The Revolt of 1857 changed British rule in India:

  1. End of the British East India Company:
  1. The British East India Company was ended, and the British government took direct control, starting the British Raj in 1858.
  2. The Government of India Act of 1858 gave power to the British Crown, and India was ruled by a British Viceroy.
  3. Military Changes:
  1. The British changed their military in India, reducing Indian soldiers and increasing British ones. They made sure no single group could rebel again.
  2. The Indian Army was reorganized, and loyalty checks for Indian soldiers became stricter.
  3. Political Changes:
  1. The British made some political changes to stabilize their rule, giving more power to local rulers but keeping key positions for British officers. This system of indirect rule became important in British India.
  2. The British also censored the Indian press and limited political activities to prevent more revolts.

Long-term Effects on Delhi:

The aftermath of the revolt had lasting impacts on Delhi:

  1. Change in Capital:
  1. Delhi lost its status as the Mughal capital, and the British made Calcutta the capital of British India, though this was temporary.
  2. By 1911, the British planned to move the capital to a new city, New Delhi, marking a long-lasting change in Delhi’s role in governance.
  3. Urban Decline and Slow Recovery:
  1. Delhi’s infrastructure and economy were badly damaged, and it took many years to recover. The city grew slowly, and its population was lower than before the revolt.
  2. The British began rebuilding efforts, improving roads and parts of the city as they planned for the new capital.

6. Cultural and Social Changes:

The culture and society of Delhi changed a lot after the Revolt of 1857, mainly due to British rule.

Changes in Society and Culture After 1857:

  1. Social Structure Changes:
  1. After the revolt, British policies created a divide between the British rulers and the Indian people. The traditional Mughal elites, especially Muslims in Delhi, lost influence and status.
  2. The British established a new class system, placing Europeans and British officials at the top, leaving little chance for the old Mughal nobility to regain their power.
  3. Religious and Cultural Identity:
  1. The British used policies that deepened religious divisions, which led to a more British-influenced culture. Traditional Indian culture, especially Mughal arts, was often ignored.
  2. A new Indian identity started to form, especially among the educated middle class in cities like Delhi. This led to the rise of Indian thinkers and social reform movements that balanced traditional Indian values with modern ideas.

British Influence on Local Traditions:

  1. Western Education:
  1. The British promoted Western education to create a class of Indian officials who could help run the British government. Delhi College became important for educating local leaders in Western subjects.
  2. This created a new educated group caught between Indian and British values, with English becoming the main language for education and work.
  3. Cultural Mixing and Westernization:
  1. Traditional Mughal culture continued, but British influence led to Westernization of local traditions. New European-style buildings appeared in Delhi as the British aimed to show their power.
  2. Local customs in art, literature, and religion remained important, leading to a blend of Western and Indian traditions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

New Cultural and Social Dynamics:

  1. Rise of Nationalism:
  1. The harsh British response to the revolt and their exploitation led to a rise in Indian nationalism. Delhi became a key area for early nationalist movements.
  2. The founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885 marked the beginning of a national political awakening that would grow in the 20th century.
  3. Social Reform Movements:
  1. After 1857, various social reform movements appeared in Delhi and across India, aiming to challenge the caste system, improve women’s status, and address issues like child marriage and sati (widow burning).
  2. Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar worked to modernize Indian society using both Indian and Western ideas.
  3. Urbanization and Modernization:
  1. Delhi began to change slowly, with British urban planning shaping the city. New railways, telegraphs, and roads created a more connected city.
  2. However, this modernization mostly served British interests, helping with trade and control, rather than benefiting local people.

In conclusion, the aftermath of the Revolt of 1857 changed Delhi socially, politically, and culturally. While the city faced British punishment, it also experienced new social dynamics due to British policies. These changes paved the way for rising Indian nationalism and social reforms that eventually led to India’s independence.

7. Conclusion:

Key Points Summary:

The 19th century was a time of major change for Delhi, moving from the glory of the Mughal Empire to British control. Important events shaped the city’s development during this time:

  1. Mughal Power Decline:
  1. The early 1800s saw the Mughal Empire losing strength to the British East India Company.
  2. The Mughal rulers made cultural contributions but struggled to manage the empire, leading to its decline.
  3. British Control:
  1. The British East India Company took control, changing the economy, administration, and military to benefit British interests.
  2. These changes upset local traditions and caused social and economic problems, leading to the Revolt of 1857.
  3. The Revolt of 1857:
  1. The revolt, driven by various grievances, was a key moment in India’s history. Delhi, led by Bahadur Shah Zafar, became the center of the uprising.
  2. Although the British suppressed the revolt, it ended the British East India Company rule and started direct British control.
  3. Aftermath of the Revolt:
  1. The revolt’s aftermath was harsh for Delhi, with much destruction and strict British policies that changed the city’s governance.
  2. Although Delhi was not the capital anymore, it stayed important for British control.
  3. Cultural Changes:
  1. After the revolt, Delhi experienced cultural changes as Western ideas affected local traditions. New education and social reforms appeared alongside rising Indian nationalism.
  2. Delhi’s transformation mirrored the wider changes in India during British rule, laying the groundwork for future independence movements.

Importance of 19th Century Delhi in History:

The 19th century was crucial in Delhi’s history, reflecting India’s larger colonial experience. Delhi’s importance during this time can be seen in several ways:

  1. Symbol of Change:
  1. Delhi was caught between the fading Mughal Empire and rising British power, representing the clash between old and new systems.
  2. The Revolt of 1857 was a key moment of resistance against British rule, with Delhi’s historical significance making it a central point of the struggle.
  3. Cultural and Political Changes:
  1. The decline of Delhi’s culture after British recapture showed the loss of Indian traditions under colonial rule. The loss of Mughal beauty reflected the disruption of local culture.
  2. However, British influence also opened doors for new cultural ideas, with Indian intellectuals and early nationalism starting in the 19th century, paving the way for India’s fight for freedom.
  3. Start of National Awakening:
  1. The events after the Revolt of 1857 helped spark India’s national awakening. Delhi’s experiences became a symbol of change for future generations.
  2. The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 and the rise of Indian leaders marked a move towards self-rule and national unity, making Delhi important for India’s independence movement.
  3. Colonial Urban Planning Legacy:
  4. The British shaped Delhi’s urban planning, which laid the groundwork for the city’s modern layout. Building New Delhi as the new capital in the early 20th century was a major British project but also indicated the city’s future role in independent India.

In summary, 19th century Delhi is a key example of India’s struggle with colonialism, showing both resistance and change. The cultural, political, and social shifts in the city during this time reflected larger changes in India and set the stage for the events that would lead to independence in the 20th century.


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