Lord Hastings served as the Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823. He is known for expanding British rule, defeating the Marathas, and introducing judicial and administrative reforms. His tenure marked the end of the Maratha Empire and the beginning of full British control over India.
Key Contributions of Lord Hastings
1. Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816) & Treaty of Sugauli
✅ The British fought the Gurkhas of Nepal due to territorial disputes.
✅ Treaty of Sugauli (1816):
- Nepal ceded Garhwal, Kumaon, and Sikkim to the British.
- British established political influence in Nepal.
✅ Gurkhas were later recruited into the British Army, forming the famous Gurkha Regiment.
👉 Effect: Expanded British rule into Himalayan regions and secured Nepal as a buffer state.
2. Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
✅ The final war between the British and the Marathas.
✅ British defeated:
- Peshwa Baji Rao II (Pune)
- Holkars (Indore)
- Scindias (Gwalior)
- Bhonsles (Nagpur)
✅ Peshwa Baji Rao II was pensioned off to Bithoor, ending the Maratha Empire.
👉 Effect: British became undisputed rulers of India, controlling almost the entire subcontinent.
3. Establishment of Ryotwari System
✅ Expanded Ryotwari System in Madras and Bombay provinces.
✅ Under this system, land revenue was collected directly from the peasants (ryots), instead of landlords.
👉 Effect: Made peasants responsible for tax payment, but led to high taxes and exploitation.
4. Pindari War (1817–1818)
✅ Pindaris were armed mercenaries and plunderers who looted villages in Central India.
✅ Lord Hastings launched military campaigns to crush them.
✅ The British eliminated the Pindari threat, bringing Central India under control.
👉 Effect: Strengthened British administration in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
5. Judicial & Administrative Reforms
✅ Introduced separate civil and criminal courts.
✅ Encouraged Indian participation in judiciary.
✅ Strengthened police and revenue administration.
👉 Effect: Improved British governance in India.
Comparison with Other Governors-General
| Governor-General | Major Contributions |
|---|---|
| Lord Wellesley (1798–1805) | Subsidiary Alliance, Anglo-Mysore War, Anglo-Maratha War |
| Lord Hastings (1813–1823) | Third Anglo-Maratha War, Pindari War, Anglo-Nepal War, Judicial Reforms |
| Lord William Bentinck (1828–1835) | Abolition of Sati, English Education, Social Reforms |
| Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856) | Doctrine of Lapse, Railways & Telegraph, Public Works |
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which treaty ended the Anglo-Nepalese War?
a) Treaty of Bassein
b) Treaty of Allahabad
c) Treaty of Sugauli
d) Treaty of Amritsar
✅ Answer: c) Treaty of Sugauli - Which war led to the final defeat of the Marathas?
a) First Anglo-Maratha War
b) Second Anglo-Maratha War
c) Third Anglo-Maratha War
d) Fourth Anglo-Maratha War
✅ Answer: c) Third Anglo-Maratha War - Who was the last Peshwa of the Marathas, defeated by Lord Hastings?
a) Madhav Rao I
b) Baji Rao I
c) Baji Rao II
d) Balaji Vishwanath
✅ Answer: c) Baji Rao II - Which system of land revenue was extended by Lord Hastings?
a) Permanent Settlement
b) Mahalwari System
c) Ryotwari System
d) Iqta System
✅ Answer: c) Ryotwari System - Who were the Pindaris?
a) British Officers
b) Mughal Nobles
c) Armed Plunderers
d) French Merchants
✅ Answer: c) Armed Plunderers
Conclusion
Lord Hastings consolidated British rule by defeating the Marathas, Nepalese, and Pindaris. His military campaigns and administrative reforms played a crucial role in making the British the dominant power in India.
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