The army was one of the most important pillars of the British administration in India. Substantiate

Instructions:
The answer to this question must include the following points:

• Write about the organizational structure of the British army.
• Discuss the plight of the Indian soldiers in the sepoy army.
• Describe the amendments in the army post the Revolt of 1857.

Solution:
The army was the second important pillar of the British Indian administration. The East India Company’s recruited army – the sepoy army – was commanded by European officers and even trained as per the European standards. The British had also organized three separate armies in the Presidencies of Bengal, Bombay and Madras during their initial rule.

The Indian soldiers were given lesser salaries and could only reach till the rank of a subedar. Though they constituted a majority, their officers were still British.

In 1858, important changes were made as a result of the Revolt of 1857. The British troops were increased, and the Indian troops were reduced. Only the English were appointed in artillery.