During British rule, the army and police became central pillars of administration in India. The army defended imperial interests, while the police maintained law and order through a structured bureaucracy and the 1861 Police Act.

BulletsIn

• Army crucial for British power in Asia, Africa, India
• Suppressed uprisings, defended empire from rivals
• 1776: East India Company set up military department in Kolkata
• 1895: Presidency Armies merged into unified Indian Army
• Indian soldiers fought WWI, WWII; huge casualties, little consent
• Some joined INA under Subhash Chandra Bose
• Police reorganized by Cornwallis; zamindars given policing duties
• 1855 first probe into police abuse, led to reforms
• 1861 Police Act created civil police under provinces
• Hierarchy built: Inspector-General, SPs, subordinates
• Indians mostly at lower ranks, Europeans in higher posts
• Police used more for control than public service
• Reforms emphasized efficiency but secured British dominance