Features of the British administrative system in India post-1858:

Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British Crown took direct control of India from the East India Company. The administrative system established by the British government aimed to consolidate and strengthen their hold over India. Here are the key features of the British administrative system in India post-1858:

1. Viceroy and Governor-General:
- The British Crown appointed a Viceroy of India who held the highest authority and represented the monarch.
- The Viceroy was assisted by the Governor-General who was responsible for the day-to-day administration.

2. Central Legislative Council:
- The Indian Councils Act of 1861 established the Central Legislative Council.
- Initially, it had members appointed by the Viceroy, but later, some were elected by a limited electorate.
- The council discussed and debated legislation, but the final decision-making power remained with the Viceroy.

3. Provincial Administration:
- The provinces were divided into administrative units called presidencies or provinces.
- Each province had a Governor appointed by the British government.
- The Governor was assisted by a legislative council and a bureaucracy.

4. Bureaucracy:
- The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was established to administer the country.
- The ICS was a highly centralized and powerful bureaucracy that implemented British policies and maintained law and order.
- British officials held key administrative positions, and Indians were gradually included in lower-level positions.

5. Legal System:
- The British introduced a uniform legal system based on English common law.
- They established high courts in major cities and district courts at the local level.
- The legal system was used to maintain control, enforce British laws, and settle disputes.

6. Police and Security:
- The British established a police force to maintain law and order.
- The police force was used to suppress any dissent or rebellion against British rule.
- The British also maintained a strong military presence in India.

7. Revenue and Land Administration:
- The British introduced the system of permanent settlement, which fixed land revenue and created the landlord-tenant relationship.
- They established revenue departments to collect land revenue and manage the administration of land.

8. Education and Social Reforms:
- The British introduced Western-style education and established schools and colleges.
- They aimed to create a class of Indians who could serve as intermediaries between the British administration and the Indian population.
- Social reforms like the abolition of sati (widow burning) and child marriage were also promoted.

Overall, the British administrative system in India post-1858 aimed to consolidate British control, exploit Indian resources, and maintain law and order. It was a highly centralized system with British officials holding key positions of power, while gradually including Indians in lower-level administrative roles. The system also aimed to introduce Western education and social reforms to shape Indian society according to British ideals.