From the mid-eighteenth century onwards, traditional rulers in India, including nawabs and rajas, saw a decline in their authority. This was a direct consequence of the East India Company’s expansionist policies.

The Company deployed residents in many courts to ensure the local rulers were under their influence. This further eroded the autonomy of these rulers.

There were numerous instances where the Company did not honour the wishes of the local rulers. For instance, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi’s plea to recognise her adopted son as an heir, and Nana Saheb’s plea for his father’s pension, were both rejected.

The annexation of Awadh is a poignant example of how the Company justified its expansion. Governor-General Dalhousie argued that the British takeover was needed due to misgovernance in Awadh.

The End Of The Mughal Dynasty

The East India Company had a clear plan to conclude the Mughal dynasty’s rule. This started with symbolic gestures, like removing the Mughal king’s name from Company-minted coins.

Dalhousie made a significant move in 1849, declaring that after Bahadur Shah Zafar’s demise, his family would be relocated from the iconic Red Fort.