Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914 - 4 Nearly losing an…

The idea

This topic examines British social reform in India under William Sleeman and others. Sleeman’s campaign against Thagi involved intelligence gathering, informers and special courts to suppress the Thagi cult, which was accused of ritual murder. The drive against Sati (widow burning) and female infanticide involved legal bans, surveillance and persuasion, often led by officials like Bentinck and Sleeman. Missionaries, such as William Carey and Alexander Duff, promoted Christianity and Western education, influencing reform but also provoking resentment. The topic requires understanding of methods, motives and consequences.

What earns the marks

• Explain Sleeman’s methods against Thagi: use of informers, intelligence networks, and special courts to convict Thagi gangs.
• Describe the campaign against Sati: Bentinck’s Regulation XVII of 1829 banned Sati, with Sleeman enforcing it through surveillance and prosecution.
• Analyse the drive against female infanticide: British officials used persuasion, surveillance, and legal penalties, particularly in regions like Awadh and Rajputana.
• Assess the impact of missionaries: they established schools and churches, promoted Western education, and their criticism of Hindu practices fuelled resentment among Indians.
• Evaluate the mixed results of these reforms: some practices declined, but resistance and cultural insensitivity contributed to growing anti-British sentiment.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Sleeman only targeted Thagi.

  Put it right: He also enforced bans on Sati and female infanticide, showing broader reformist aims.

• Overstating the success of missionary work.

  Put it right: Missionaries had limited conversions but significant cultural impact, often increasing tensions.

• Confusing Sati with female infanticide.

  Put it right: Sati is widow burning; female infanticide is the killing of infant girls. Both were targeted but are distinct practices.

Exam tips

• Use specific examples: Sleeman’s use of approvers, Bentinck’s 1829 ban, and missionary schools in Calcutta.
• Link reforms to the broader context of British India, showing how they contributed to the 1857 Rebellion.
• Analyse both intended and unintended consequences of reform efforts to reach higher marks.