EVOLUTION OF POLICE SYSTEM IN INDIA

Introduction:
The police system in India underwent major transformations under British rule. What began as traditional Indian institutions gradually changed into a structured, centralised, and disciplined police force aimed primarily at maintaining British control.

Early Reforms under Warren Hastings (1774–75):
- Hastings revived the old institution of faujdars.
- Zamindars were instructed to help faujdars in controlling dacoity and maintaining order.
- In 1775, he set up faujdar thanas in major towns of large districts.
- These were assisted by smaller police stations.

Developments under Cornwallis (1791):
- Cornwallis created a regular police force.
- Reorganised the old thana system:
  - District under a Daroga (Indian officer)
  - Superintendent of Police (SP) at district level (British officer)
- Relieved zamindars of police responsibilities.
- This laid the foundation of modern policing.

Reforms under Mayo (1808):
- Appointed an SP for each division.
- SPs were assisted by spies (goyendas).
- However, these spies often exploited the local population.

Court of Directors Order (1814):
- Abolition of darogas and subordinates except in Bengal.
- Under Bentinck (1828–35):
  - SP post was abolished.
  - Collector/Magistrate now headed police in a district.
  - Commissioner acted as SP at divisional level.
- Result:
  - Poorly organised police system.
  - Heavy administrative burden on the collector.

Police Commission (1860) and Police Act, 1861:
- Recommended:
  - Civil constabulary system: village policing linked to district police.
  - Inspector-General (IG) at province level.
  - Deputy IG for ranges, SP for districts.
- Outcomes:
  - Police succeeded in curbing organised crimes like dacoity and thugee.
  - Police attitude remained harsh and unsympathetic to common people.
  - Used as an instrument to suppress national movement.
- British did not create an all-India police structure.
- Police Act, 1861 standardised ranks and organisation.

Evolution of Indian Police Service:
- 1893: Nomination-based recruitment ended.
- A competitive exam was introduced (held in London).
- First such exam held in June 1893; top candidates became probationary officers in Indian Imperial Police.
- 1902: Police Commission recommended:
  - Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in provinces.
  - Central Intelligence Bureau at the Centre.
  - Appointment of Indians in officer ranks.
- Indians, however, could initially rise only up to Inspector rank.
- 1920: Indians allowed entry into Indian Imperial Police through exams held in both India and England.
- 1907: “I.P” insignia introduced for probationers.
- 1917: Islington Commission referred to the term “Indian Police Service”.
- 1932: Name officially changed to “Indian Police”.
- 1948: After independence, Imperial Police replaced by Indian Police Service (IPS).

MILITARY UNDER THE BRITISH (OPSC Notes)

Early Structure:
- Before 1857, two military systems existed:
  1. Queen’s Army: Crown’s troops stationed in India.
  2. Company’s Army: Included European regiments and native Indian regiments under British officers.

After 1857 Revolt:
- Massive reorganisation undertaken to prevent future rebellions.
- Objectives:
  - Prevent recurrence of revolt.
  - Use Indian Army to defend against rival imperial powers (Russia, Germany, France).
  - Use Indian Army for expansion in Asia and Africa.
  - Maintain British dominance using a white military core.

Military Commissions (1859 & 1879):
- Principle of one-third Europeans enforced (earlier only 14%).
- Final distribution:
  - 1 European : 2 Indian soldiers (Bengal Army)
  - 2 Europeans : 5 Indians (Madras & Bombay Armies)
- Europeans controlled artillery, armoured corps, and technical branches.
- Indians received inferior rifles until 1900.
- Indians not allowed officer ranks; highest rank was Subedar until 1914.

1895:
- All three Presidency Armies (Bengal, Bombay, Madras) merged into “Indian Army”.
- Divided into four commands:
  - Punjab (NWFP)
  - Bengal
  - Madras (with Burma)
  - Bombay (with Sindh, Quetta, Aden)

1912:
- Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College established at Dehradun.
- Aimed to educate sons of aristocratic families and prepare Indians for Sandhurst.
- King’s commissions awarded after training.

Role in World War I (1914–18):
- 1.3 million Indian soldiers participated.
- 74,187 killed or missing.
- Served in Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa.

Role in World War II (1939–45):
- India drawn into war without Indian leaders’ consent.
- Indian soldiers fought on the Allied side.
- This deepened Indian demand for complete independence.
 

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Subject: Modern History

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