Abstract
This article examines how dispossessed Indian princes contributed to public criticism of the East India Company leading to the 1857–1858 Indian Revolt. The 1850s saw a proliferation of Indian elites travelling to London to demand restitution for Company arbitrary decisions. Determined to reverse the arrogation of their political and landed position in India, they utilised metropolitan adoration for wealth to discredit colonial power and declare loyalty to more equitable British institutions. Princes went beyond royal association to expose the prejudices of the colonial record to sympathetic press, judicial and parliamentary bodies. They defended prescriptive right and custom, and presented princely India as a subordinate partner for future imperial reconstitution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
