British East India Company as Administrator: A Study from the Sociocultural Perspective

Abstract

The British East India Company (EIC), established in 1600, not only became a dominant force in trade but also evolved into a significant administrative entity in India. This research article explores the Company's role as an administrator during its tenure in India, spanning from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. It examines the Company's administrative structure, policies, challenges faced, and the impact of its rule on Indian society and governance. Drawing on historical records, official correspondence, and scholarly interpretations, the study provides insights into how the EIC managed and transformed its role from a commercial enterprise to a territorial administrator in India. The EIC's administrative policies had far-reaching socio-cultural implications. Land revenue systems, judicial reforms, and the introduction of English education fostered changes in economic relations, legal frameworks, and intellectual landscapes. These reforms often intersected with local customs, traditions, and hierarchies, influencing caste dynamics, religious practices, and the status of marginalized communities.