Keywords
Militarism
Native Army
Madras Presidency
Gunpowder
East India Company
How to Cite
Abstract
The paper studies the formative stage of the British power in South India during which the regulation of gunpowder and the formation of the native army became the British strategy to consolidate its power in South India. The politico-military history of the subcontinent is time immemorable, but what led to the British supremacy in India? Was it the advance military technology? Or the political upheaval of the 18th century that paved way for the British consolidation? Or was it the penetration of the European militarism that disrupted the social stratification of the Indian subcontinent? The paper delves into understanding how gunpowder technology and the formation of the Madras native army led to the British expansion in South India with Madras as the centre of their activities. The paper argues that disciplining the native army in European manner and regulations and acts in respect of gunpowder, disarming the natives, and punishment to the mutineers, stipulated by the English EIC ensured strict vigilance and control over the inhabitants. The paper would also explore the transforming nature of asserting power and authority under the colonial imperialism.
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