Introduction
Lord Northbrook served as India’s Viceroy from 1872 until 1876. The removal of Gaikwad of Baroda in 1875, the Prince of Wales’s visit, the Bihar Famine, and the Kuka Movement in Punjab were significant events that occurred during his reign.
Significant Events During His Tenure
Deposition Of Gaekwad Of Baroda 1875
When the mighty British intervened, he was overthrown in 1875 and banished to Madras on Lord Salisbury’s instructions. He later passed away in isolation in 1882.
- This was one incident where the supreme power was used to punish a chief or his ministers for acts of extreme or illegal wrongdoing.
Kuka Movement 1872
Balak Singh or Bhagat Jawar “Jawahar” formed the Namdhari or Kuka movement, which adheres to the principle of using only the word “Nam” for God and abandoning all ritualistic recitation.
- They were known as “Kukas,” or the shouters, since they frequently became emotional while pronouncing the name of God, screamed and shouted, held turbans in their hands, and let their hair flow in the air. Dervishes who practised Islam exhibited a similar pattern of behaviour.
- Baba Ram Singh politicised this movement. He and his supporters developed a fierce hatred for Muslims who “killed cows” and for the British who “permitted the cows to be killed.”
Prince Of Wales Visit To India 1876
In 1876, the Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria’s oldest son, travelled to India with a sizable suite.
- He began his journey in Bombay before moving on to Madras, Ceylon, and Calcutta.
- This tour was made to bolster the local princes’ allegiance to the British Empress and reiterated their crucial role in the empire’s upkeep.
- The “loyal” Indian feudatories lavished him with priceless presents everywhere he went.
Orissa Famine Of 1872
During the reign of Lord Northbrook, India had two severe famines.
- The Bihar famine of 1873–1874 was one. Surprisingly, there were no casualties in this famine because the British administration used a significant relief operation that was coordinated with the Bengali administration.
- However, during Lord Lytton’s administration, Southern India saw a second Great Famine in the years 1876–1878. Madras, Bombay, Mysore, and Hyderabad were all afflicted by this famine.
- There were 10 million fatalities but no figure for the princely nations.
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Conclusion
The most significant accomplishments of Lord Northbrook were made while he was an active reformer determined to raise the standard of governance in the British Raj. He cut taxes and overcame administrative barriers in an effort to lessen widespread social unrest and famine. He served as First Lord of the Admiralty from 1880 to 1885.
