Viceroys: The Creation of the British

Viceroys tells the important story of the British aristocracy sent to govern India during the reigns of five British monarchs and the role it played in the shaping of the modern British identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Between 1858 and 1947, a remarkable period in history saw twenty British men assume the role of ruling over millions of people, encompassing the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. These men, drawn from the exclusive class of English, Scottish, and Irish breeding known as the aristocracy, wielded absolute power, surpassing even the monarch who had sent them. The Viceroys lived a lavish lifestyle, indulging in extravagant activities such as riding elephants, shooting tigers, and being greeted with reverence as they entered rooms. However, it is important to note that not all of them were solely focused on their interests in India. Many of them dedicated their lives to the betterment of the subcontinent, with some even sacrificing their own lives for the cause.

The first Viceroy, Canning, exemplified this dedication. Exhausted by the Indian Mutiny, he buried his wife in Calcutta before departing the subcontinent to meet his demise shortly after. The average tenure of a Viceroy was relatively short, lasting around five years, and they were often bestowed with the title of an earldom but rarely experienced a sense of triumph. It is worth questioning whether these Viceroys behaved as poorly as modern moralists would suggest. After the end of the Raj, the legacy of the Empire persisted, as the new rulers seamlessly adopted the offices and styles of their British predecessors. Being British became a caste, with its privileges and responsibilities.

Viceroys is a captivating tale that delves into the British Raj, the final chapter of the British aristocracy's reign in India. It offers a profound insight into the British perspective on India, portraying the individuals who ventured out and the transformation they underwent upon their return. The book explores the immense power wielded by these Viceroys and the various ways in which they utilized it. Furthermore, it sheds light on the establishment of modern British identity and its connection to the belief that a small offshore European island people had the right to sit at the highest institutional tables and judge the actions of other nations and institutions.

The book provides a detailed account of the lives and actions of these twenty British men who ruled over millions of people during a pivotal period in history. It sheds light on their personal experiences, their relationships with the local populations, and their efforts to navigate the complex political and social landscape of India. The Viceroys were not without their flaws and contradictions, as their actions often reflected the conflicting interests of their home country and the aspirations of the Indian people. However, their legacy remains a subject of debate and discussion, with some arguing that they played a significant role in shaping the course of India's history, while others condemn their actions as oppressive and exploitative.

In conclusion, Viceroys is a valuable contribution to the understanding of the British Raj and the complex relationship between the British Empire and India. It offers a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on the lives and actions of these twenty men, providing a deeper insight into the complexities of imperialism and the impact it had on both the colonized and the colonizers. Through its exploration of power, privilege, and identity, the book sheds light on the enduring legacy of the British Empire and its impact on the world today.

Weight: 806g
Dimension: 165 x 380 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472124753