India - 1783 The brightest and most valuable gem in the British Diadem, and Warren Hastings the administrator!

With the collapse of British hold on nations in Europe viz. France and Spain and the loss of America after the surrender in 1776, which had Lord Cornwallis signing the treaty of surrender and independence of the United States of America, the need to examine the whys and hows was taken to reassure His Majesty for fresh allocations funds on the basis of a plan to overcome severe financial losses that had been incurred in the wake of losing territories under control.

Tuesday, November 11, 1783

John Butler, the 17th Earl of Ormonde and 10th Earl of Ossory, addressed the House of Commons;

"The definitive treaties of peace between the Courts of Great Britain and those of France, Spain and the United States of America, had been happily concluded; by way of which the seal was put to the pacification that had freed this country from a calamitous and expensive war."

He did remark, that the treaty was beneficial as business interests were prevalent in these countries, even after ceding them, Thus such a treaty was far better drawn than previous ones.

Taking cue from the treaties with these countries that were no longer a possession of Great Britain, he turned the attention of His Majesty and his Ministers to the state of affairs in India, and the East India Company.

"Our possessions in the East have now become the brightest and most valuable gem in the British diadem, and consequently they ought to be the object of the greatest care; how they became the property of England would astonish the world; that a company of merchants should conquer the greatest and most valuable part of the Mogul empire, was an event in itself extraordinary, that it stood unparalleled in the annals of the world"

Warren Hastings 1773-1784!

With the news that arrived from the East, of the treaty with the Mahrattas, from whom everything had been apprehended, was ratified and completed; Tippoo Saib was driven from the Carnatic and 15 of his strongest forts in his own country taken away from him, all these having been carried out through the abilities of Mr. Hastings as a statesman, a feat considered most difficult and least expected under Mr. Hastings, led to him being respected with a vote of 'thanks' of the House.

Due consideration was given for plans with active participation of those in control in India, with the objective of developing trade and overall governance of India.

Must say, Warren Hastings made much of his administration that eventually lead to corruption and to cruelty of the Indians under his administration, and he was ordered back to England.

Warren Hastings was impeached and his trial lasted 145 days and his acquittal cost him Pounds 70,000!