Imperial Cartography
Mapping the Expansion of British Authority in Northern India, 1805-1834.
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Overview
Historical Context
The Ceded and Conquered Provinces represented a significant territorial acquisition by the British East India Company in northern India. This region, consolidated between 1805 and 1834, formed a crucial administrative and strategic zone under Company rule, bridging existing territories and expanding British influence significantly.
Geographical Scope
Geographically, this area broadly encompassed modern-day Uttar Pradesh (excluding the Awadh region's Lucknow and Faizabad divisions), the Delhi territory, and after 1816, the Kumaun division and a substantial portion of the Garhwal division in present-day Uttarakhand. This vast expanse was integrated into the administrative framework of the Bengal Presidency.
Temporal Significance
Functioning as a distinct administrative entity until 1834, the region was subsequently reorganized. In 1836, it was reconstituted as the North-Western Provinces, later evolving into the Agra Province within the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. Its existence marks a key phase in the territorial consolidation of British power in India.
Ceded Provinces
Cession from Awadh (1801)
In 1801, the Nawab of Awadh, Saadat Ali Khan II, ceded substantial territory to the British East India Company. This act, undertaken in exchange for protection against potential threats from figures like Zaman Shah Durrani, included the Gorakhpur and Rohilkhand divisions. It also incorporated key districts such as Allahabad, Fatehpur, Cawnpore, Etawah, Mainpuri, and Etah, along with the southern parganas of Kumaun.
Farrukhabad Cession (1802)
Following the larger cession from Awadh, the Nawab of Farrukhabad voluntarily ceded the Farrukhabad district to the British in 1802. This further expanded the territory under Company control, integrating another strategically important area into the nascent administrative structure.
Conquered Provinces
Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805)
The Second Anglo-Maratha War led to significant territorial gains. General Gerard Lake's campaigns resulted in the conquest of the Meerut division, including Aligarh after the Battle of Ally Ghur. Additionally, the entire Agra division, encompassing Agra city, and districts surrounding Delhi were brought under British control.
Post-War Acquisitions
Beyond the immediate war gains, the British also annexed territories east of the Yamuna River, including substantial portions of the Banda and Hamirpur districts, and a smaller area within the Jalaun district. These acquisitions consolidated control over key riverine territories.
Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816)
The conclusion of the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816, formalized by the Treaty of Sugauli, resulted in further territorial expansion. The Kumaun division and the Dehradun district, located in the Himalayan foothills and forming part of present-day Uttarakhand, were annexed, adding strategic mountainous regions to the Company's domain.
Administration & Governance
Early Challenges
Initially administered as part of the Bengal Presidency under the Governor-General-in-Council, the vast distance separating the Ceded and Conquered Provinces from the capital in Calcutta presented significant administrative hurdles. Early attempts at governance proved inefficient, necessitating structural reforms.
Administrative Reforms
To address these challenges, a pivotal reform occurred in 1831 with the establishment of an independent Board of Revenue and separate Sadr Diwani and Nizamat Adalat (Chief Civil and Criminal Courts) specifically for these provinces. This move aimed to streamline governance and judicial processes.
Parliamentary Acts & Reorganization
The Government of India Act 1833 proposed dividing the Bengal Presidency and elevating the Ceded and Conquered Provinces to a new Presidency of Agra. Although this specific plan was not executed, a subsequent Act in 1835 renamed the region the North-Western Provinces. It was then placed under a Lieutenant-Governor, with Sir Charles Metcalfe appointed as the first incumbent in 1836, marking a new chapter in its administration.
Successor Administrations
Evolution into North-Western Provinces
By 1834, the administrative framework evolved, leading to the formal establishment of the North-Western Provinces in 1835. This new entity, administered by a Lieutenant-Governor, continued to encompass the territories previously known as the Ceded and Conquered Provinces, along with other adjacent areas.
Integration into Agra Province
Further administrative restructuring occurred, and by 1904, the region was recognized as the Agra Province. This province was subsequently integrated into the larger administrative unit known as the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, reflecting the ongoing consolidation and evolution of British India's territorial divisions.
Modern-Day Relevance
The territories that once constituted the Ceded and Conquered Provinces now form integral parts of modern India. Key states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, along with the National Capital Territory of Delhi, encompass the historical geography of this significant colonial-era region.
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References
References
- Imperial Gazetteer of India vol. XXIV 1908, p. 158
- Imperial Gazetteer of India vol. V 1908, p. 72
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Disclaimer
Historical Context and AI Generation
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing information from historical sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and informational purposes, providing an academic overview of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces.
This is not a substitute for scholarly research. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source material, historical interpretations can evolve, and nuances may exist beyond the scope of this AI-generated content. Always consult primary historical documents and peer-reviewed academic works for comprehensive and definitive understanding.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this content. Users are encouraged to cross-reference information with established academic resources.