The British Raj: Resistance and Reform in India, 1879–1920

This collection consists of letters, diaries, and official reports dated between 1879 and 1920. The records relate to two viceroys who acted as representatives of the British monarch in India: Lord Curzon and the fourth Earl of Minto.

The material relating to Lord George Curzon illustrates the influential reforms that he enacted during his time as viceroy (1899–1905). Curzon made substantial modifications to the administration and infrastructure of the British Raj. Despite his passion for reform, he remains a controversial figure. Many have asserted that he prioritised British control and influence over the needs and demands of the Indian population. One of his most contentious acts was the partition of Bengal in 1905, a measure which exacerbated religious divisions within the region.

The material relating to the fourth Earl of Minto, Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, likewise evidences his efforts to maintain British influence throughout India during his time as viceroy (1905–1910). His tenure was characterised by cautious reform, as he sought to address the rising tide of Indian nationalism whilst maintaining British supremacy. The documents include his personal correspondence and diaries. The collection also includes the diaries of his wife, Lady Mary Caroline Grey. These sources allude to growing anti-British sentiment amongst the Indian population during the opening decade of the twentieth century. They likewise evidence how the viceroy responded.

The collection is accompanied by an online guide written by Professor WiIliam Gould, University of Leeds.

This is a period of India's history which illustrates late colonial Indian high politics to dramatic effect, providing researchers with extraordinary insights into the delicate strategies of anti-colonial “agitators”, and colonial governors

Professor William Gould, University of Leeds

Insights

Lord Curzon served as viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905. He was praised by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, for his restoration of the country’s historical assets. Curzon is remembered for the reform programme that he orchestrated. Yet it has been attested, frequently, that this was geared solely towards the maintenance of British control of India. Thus, this collection illuminates the overarching historical circumstances that precipitated the rise of Indian nationalism.

The fourth Earl of Minto, Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, was named governor-general of Canada in 1898 and appointed viceroy of India in 1905. He retired from this role in 1910. Until his retirement from this position in 1910 he pursued a strategy of cautious reform, remaining dedicated — like Curzon — to the maintenance of British supremacy throughout the continent.

The Amritsar massacre, otherwise known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, occurred on 13 April 1919. A large crowd of people gathered to protest at the the arrest of two nationalist activists. Without warning, Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer and his troops blocked the exits and shot at the crowd. This collection includes the Report of the Commissioners appointed by the Punjab Sub-Committee of the Indian National Congress, which collated 650 statements from witnesses. Some historians consider the Amritsar massacre a watershed moment in the history of British rule in India.

The correspondence in this collection between Lord Morley, who was Secretary of State for India, and the fourth Earl of Minto dates from 1907 to 1913. Issues covered include opposition to the Anglo-Russian Entente of 1907 and the question of who should be the next viceroy of India. The two men worked closely, hence the so-called "Morley–Minto Reforms".

The military papers included in this collection provide insights into the activities of the British Army in India. These sources likewise shed light upon the reorganisation of the military that occurred under Lord Curzon.