British Administration in Punjab | Punjab State (PPSC) PSC: Preparation - PPSC PCS (Punjab) PDF Download

1849 - 1853: Early British Administration

• In March 1849, Punjab was officially incorporated into the British Empire in India following a proclamation by the Governor-General.
• A Board of Administration, headed by a President and two members, was established to govern Punjab.
• The Board had the authority to control and supervise all departments, with Commissioners handling the executive staff.
• In 1853, the Board of Administration was dissolved.

1853 - 1859: Transition to Chief Commissioner

• Following the abolition of the Board, Sir John Lawrence was appointed the first Chief Commissioner of Punjab, overseeing the local executive administration.
• Two subordinate Commissioners were also appointed to handle judicial and revenue matters.

1859: Punjab as a Lieutenant Governor’s Province

• Sir John Lawrence was appointed the first Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab on January 1, 1859.
• He was succeeded by a series of Lieutenant-Governors, including Sir Robert Montgomery, Sir Donald McLeod, Sir Henry Durand, and Sir Henry Davies.

1866: Establishment of the Chief Court

• The Judicial Commissioner position was replaced by the Chief Court in 1866.
• The Lieutenant Governor, supported by the Secretariat (including a Chief Secretary and two undersecretaries from the Indian Civil Service), managed administrative functions.

Administrative Structure

• Punjab under the Lieutenant Governor consisted of 29 districts grouped into five divisions and included 43 princely states.

Districts and Princely States under British Territory

Total Area (British Territory)

97,209 square miles

Native States

• Patiala
• Jind
• Nabha
• Bahawalpur
• Sirmur
• Lahore
• Dujana
• Pataudi
• Kalsia
• Shimla Hill States
• Kapurthala
• Muller Kotla
• Suket
• Faridkot
• Chamba