Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Utilitarianism, a 19th-century ethical theory popularized by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, advocates for actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people. This philosophy profoundly impacted British policy, particularly during the period of East India Company rule (1757-1858). The Company, initially focused on economic exploitation, gradually began to implement social and administrative reforms, often justified through the lens of utilitarian principles. However, attributing these reforms *solely* to utilitarianism is an oversimplification, as other factors like evangelical movements and administrative efficiency also played a role. This answer will explore the extent to which utilitarian values prompted the Company administration to attempt reform of Indian society.
The Core of Utilitarianism and its Appeal
Utilitarianism, at its heart, prioritizes maximizing aggregate happiness. Key tenets include the principle of utility – actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness – and impartiality – everyone’s happiness counts equally. For the British administrators in India, this translated into a perceived need to ‘modernize’ Indian society, eliminating practices deemed ‘irrational’ or ‘harmful’ and promoting those believed to enhance overall well-being. This also aligned with a belief in British superiority and a ‘civilizing mission’.
Utilitarian Reforms Undertaken by the Company
Social Reforms
- Abolition of Sati (1829): Lord William Bentinck, heavily influenced by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and guided by utilitarian advisors like Thomas Babington Macaulay, outlawed Sati, the practice of widow immolation. This was justified on utilitarian grounds – the suffering of widows outweighed any perceived religious or social benefits.
- Suppression of Thuggee (1830s): William Sleeman’s campaign against Thuggee, a form of organized robbery and murder, was presented as a utilitarian victory, eliminating a dangerous practice and establishing law and order.
- Legalization of Widow Remarriage (1856): Lord Dalhousie’s Widow Remarriage Act, again championed by reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, aimed to improve the condition of Hindu widows and increase their happiness.
Administrative and Educational Reforms
- Introduction of English Education (1835): Macaulay’s Minute on Education advocated for the promotion of English education, arguing it would create a class of Indians who could assist in governing the country and contribute to its economic development. This was framed as a utilitarian benefit – a more efficient administration and a skilled workforce.
- Codification of Laws: The Company undertook the codification of Indian laws, aiming for clarity, consistency, and fairness. This was seen as a utilitarian improvement over the arbitrary and often corrupt existing legal systems.
- Revenue Reforms: While often exploitative, some revenue reforms, like the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, were presented as attempts to create a more stable and efficient revenue collection system, benefiting both the Company and the peasantry (though the latter benefit was often limited).
Limitations and Alternative Explanations
While utilitarianism provided a convenient justification for many reforms, it wasn’t the sole driving force.
- Evangelical Influence: The rise of evangelical Christianity in Britain led to pressure on the Company to address perceived moral failings in Indian society.
- Administrative Efficiency: Many reforms, like the codification of laws, were driven by the need for a more efficient and manageable administration.
- Political Control: The Company also sought to consolidate its political control by creating a class of Indians loyal to British rule through English education.
- Self-Interest: The Company’s actions were often motivated by its own economic and political self-interest, rather than purely altruistic concerns.
Furthermore, the application of utilitarian principles was often selective and biased, prioritizing the interests of the British over those of the Indian population. The focus on ‘greatest happiness’ often meant the happiness of the ruling class.
| Reform | Utilitarian Justification | Other Influences |
|---|---|---|
| Abolition of Sati | Reduced suffering of widows | Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s advocacy, Evangelical pressure |
| English Education | Creation of a skilled workforce, efficient administration | Political control, Anglicization |
| Codification of Laws | Fairness, consistency, reduced corruption | Administrative efficiency |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the values of utilitarianism undoubtedly prompted the Company administration to attempt reform of Indian society. The abolition of Sati, the legalization of widow remarriage, and the introduction of English education were all justified, at least in part, by utilitarian principles. However, it is crucial to recognize that utilitarianism was not the sole driver of these reforms. Evangelical movements, administrative needs, and the Company’s own self-interest also played significant roles. The reforms were often implemented selectively and reflected a colonial mindset, ultimately serving British interests alongside any genuine attempts to improve the well-being of the Indian population.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.