British Introduction of Structured Police System

The British introduced a centralized and structured police system in India primarily to maintain colonial control, collect revenue, and suppress dissent, especially after the revolt of 1857. This system replaced the less formal, decentralized policing mechanisms of the Mughal and earlier periods.

Early Efforts

  • Abolition of Zamindari Police: Lord Cornwallis divested zamindars (hereditary landlords) of their traditional police functions, as they often neglected their duties.
  • Establishment of the Thana System: In 1791, he revived and modernized the Mughal-era thana (police station) system, with each district divided into smaller areas.
  • Appointment of Darogas: Each thana was headed by an officer known as ....
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Indian History