THE FINAL ACT: Lord Dalhousie and governor-generalship of India

'The country expected much from him. It was said of him that his European reputation is associated with the greatest of modern improvements. In India, he has a noble career of usefulness before him, and England and Europe expect that, in the improved spirit of the present age, it will be distinguished by the triumphs of civilisation.' And indeed it was. James Andrew Broun-Ramsay or Lord Dalhousie was among the greatest administrators that history has witnessed. What made him the best of his time is a secret for us to delve into...

Lord Dalhousie; Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

There once was a man who was without a doubt, the most dynamic official to have administered India. On his death anniversary today, let us look at what made him so appealing.

James Andrew Broun-Ramsay or Lord Dalhousie attained fame for being a promising politician in Great Britain before he was governor-general of India. He was cognizant of his merits and found the governorship of Madras to be too small. He said, "I have a seat in the House of Lords...... There is no other young man in the House of Lords of my standing at all. Is it not my line to improve the advantage which my approved commencement has given me, work on towards a leading position in the House of Lords, profit by the fortunate opening as rapidly as I can, make hay while the sun shines and there are no rivals to share my crop with me; and so secure at this early stage of my public life a standing of my own? Out of sight out of mind" is more speedily made true in London and politics than anywhere else. If I go to Madras, who at the end of five years when I return will know my name?"

His concerns would not go unheard and his merits would be discovered by Sir Robert Peel who offered him a seat in the cabinet while making him the head of the Board of Trades. He worked with efficiency and regulated the affairs of the Railways in Great Britain, and from this experience, he would in the future install the first railway lines in India. After the collapse of the Peel administration, he was offered the chairmanship of the Railway Commission by the Whigs. He, however, ridiculed them by saying "The Whigs have thrown their other fly for me; but the water was too clear, the fly badly dressed, and the fish would not rise."

But his destiny had prepared a different route for him. As the primary choice of the British Prime minister, the Board of control, and the Court of Directors, he was to go to India as a Governor-general and he accepted this responsibility with full vigour. His remarkable appearance was only marred by the affliction of the kidneys. Nonetheless, when he reached India in January 1848 he seemed fully charged to take on his duties and responsibilities. It was a widely believed fact that;

'The country expected much from him. It was said of him that his European reputation is associated with the greatest of modern improvements. In India, he has a noble career of usefulness before him, and England and Europe expect that, in the improved spirit of the present age, it will be distinguished by the triumphs of civilisation.'

He is credited with introducing the telegraph, railways, and modern posts in India and also for the development of the Great Ganges canal and other small canals in Punjab. He encouraged vernacular education and worked tirelessly to get recognition for female education in India. He invested in the establishment of many universities in this advance. Simultaneously, he campaigned vigorously again social evils like infanticide,sati, and human sacrifice. Thus, Dalhousie ushered India into an era of reform that would ultimately lay the foundation of modern India.

Dalhousie knew he would not have it easy. But he was prepared.  He was dauntless and ambitious. He wasn't the obedient and docile servant to his master and would not go without a protest if, an order went against his will or logic. He would at times enjoy ridiculing the officials of the East India Company and would not hesitate to use harsh terminology.

Few officials moved the way Dalhousie did. He would travel the whole expanse of the land when there was no railway and the roads were not as they are today. He was determined and ambitious. Consequently, he completed the solidification of the British empire in India while simultaneously introducing reforms that would modernize India. In this way, Dalhousie completely dedicated himself to India. His ailing health further deteriorated as a result of over exertion. He was sinking fast and his collapsing health made people, who were used to his enthusiasm and ambition feel poorly for him.

As Dalhousie's days in India began to shrink, many people wished him well for the future. However, Dalhousie in his farewell said, "I have played out my part. And while I feel that in any case, the principal act in the drama of my life is ended, I shall be well content if the curtain shoulū drop now upon my public course. I am wearied and worn, and have no other thought or wish than to seek the retirement, of which I stand in need, and which is all I now am fit for".

Lord Dalhousie would die four years after leaving India, on 19th December 1860.