2017-04-06 Thu

The year after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the cradle of India's administration was handed over to the British Crown. But the transfer of power meant that the Soldiers of the three Presidency Armies would now require making over their allegiance to the Queen (British Crown) and the Royal Army.

This power transfer was read in an impressive Durbar which assembled in Allahabad on 1st November 1858. In this impressive gathering which included the four Regiments of Bengal European Cavalry, Lord Canning (First Viceroy of India) announced the abolishment of 250-year long rule of the East India Company (EIC) and the transfer of power, which is popularly known as the Queens Proclamation.

There was a slow process to merge the two separate forces under British control for smooth administration of India. These two units consisted of Queen’s Army which was serving the tour of India and the independent unit of EIC. The Queen’s Army was the sovereign crown military forces.

The section of EIC received ‘Batta' (Extra allowance) to cover the various expenditures relating to the operations outside their home territories while British Army did not get any extra payment. The officers of British Army were senior in age to those of the same rank in the EIC unit.

This distinction in the foundation of this unit created a cultural difference which also differs in their operating method and views regarding each other. The transfer which took place was done without giving any prior notice to the European troop of EIC. This transfer also resulted into end of the extra allowance.

The rules and regulations regarding this transfer were unclear and all of this misunderstanding resulted in the biggest revolt faced by British Army by their own people. This mutiny was an open rebel and they were quite successful in their terms, to either get bonus or release from their obligations.

To relate this power transfer the coins of EIC and Crown rule can put a good light on this event. This change further can be seen when the EIC legend on coin’s reverse changed to portray the rule of the British crown. In the end, around 10,000 soldiers opted to return to their homeland and only 2,800 re-enlisted.

Learn more about the Indian freedom struggle of 1857 and also about its immediate reactions which resulted in Queen Victoria becoming the Empress of India.

To know more about yet another Indian mutiny click here.