UPSC 2013 Mains GS1 Model Answer - In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.

Model Answer:

Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor-General (1848–1856), is often considered the architect of modern India due to his transformative administrative, economic, and social reforms.

Role of Dalhousie 

1. Administrative Reforms: Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse, expanding British territory by annexing Indian states, thus centralizing control under British rule.
2. Railway Expansion: He initiated India’s first railway line (1853), significantly enhancing transportation, trade, and connectivity, setting the foundation for India’s modern infrastructure.
3. Postal Reforms: Dalhousie reformed postal services, establishing the uniform postage system, making communication more accessible and unifying disparate regions across India.
4. Telegraph Network: He established a vast telegraph network connecting major cities, enhancing communication and administrative efficiency across the British-Indian empire.
5. Public Works Department: To boost infrastructure, Dalhousie created the Public Works Department, overseeing the construction of roads, bridges, and canals for economic development.
6. Educational Reforms: Emphasizing English education, Dalhousie promoted Western knowledge, laying a foundation for modern educational institutions in India.
7. Military Modernization: Dalhousie modernized the British Indian army, focusing on logistical efficiency and recruiting local troops, strengthening the British military presence in India.

Dalhousie’s policies laid the groundwork for modern infrastructure, centralized administration, and an interconnected India, inadvertently fostering conditions for future nationalist movements. 

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