Historical Context of the East India Company

The East India Company utilized various strategies of indirect rule to exert control over India, outlined through its complex relationship with local rulers. British officials often depicted India as chaotic and violent, which rationalized their use of excessive violence as a disciplinary measure against supposed inhumanity. This perception was somewhat fueled by incidents such as the Black Hole of Calcutta and the resistance from figures like Tipu Sultan, which were integral in shaping British narratives. Consequently, British officials believed that force was essential to maintain their grip on power, leading to the establishment of a military presence in numerous Indian states under the guise of protecting local rulers.