Condition of India in 1798

• Lord Wellesley, known as “the great Pro-Consul,” became Governor-General of Bengal at the age of 37.
• Wellesley is considered one of the greatest British rulers of India, with his achievements surpassing those of Lord Clive, Warren Hastings, and Lord Dalhousie.
• Upon his arrival in India, the political situation was critical.
• The Nizam was angry at the English Company for not helping him when attacked by the Marathas under Sir John Shore. He was organizing a regular army with a French officer named Raymond.
• The Marathas felt powerful after their victory over the Nizam. They controlled most of Central India, with Scindia having a large, well-trained army led by a French officer named Perron.
• The French presence in Indian States, especially their officers in key positions, posed a significant threat to the English Company.
• Sultan Tipu had not forgotten his humiliation at the hands of Lord Cornwallis and remained a bitter enemy of the English Company.
• Tipu was in negotiations with the French Governor of Mauritius and employed French officers to train his soldiers.
• There was also the looming threat of Napoleon’s invasion from the East.
• The political situation in India was unstable, with no supreme power to maintain peace or provide a solution to disputes between states.
• The English Company had limited resources, and it was up to Lord Wellesley to tackle the situation using his intelligence, bravery, and resourcefulness.
• Within 7 years, Wellesley was able to defeat and humble the enemies of the English Company, many of whom submitted without fighting.
• However, Wellesley was forced to resign in 1805 before completing his work.
• Wellesley believed the policy of non-intervention was not practical due to the political condition in India.
• In the absence of a paramount power, states acted independently, creating instability and conflict.
• Wellesley concluded that either the English Company must become the supreme power in India or leave the country altogether.
• This conviction led to Wellesley’s approach of assertive intervention to maintain English supremacy and control over India.