White Mutiny
In the Indian context, there were two instances of White Mutiny. The first one happened after the dissolution of European forces of EIC due to the "Indigo revolt of 1859" under the viceroyship of Lord Canning. The second one, also known as the "white mutiny of 1883", was related to the Ilbert Bill and happened under Lord Ripon.
The White Mutiny was an unrest that occurred in 1858-59 after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 when the "European Forces" of the East India Company were dissolved. On November 1st, 1858, a Durbar was held at Allahabad where Lord Canning, Governor-General of India, read out the Queen's Proclamation, abolishing the 250-year rule of the East India Company and transferring the government of India to the Crown. As a result, soldiers of the three Presidency Armies of Bengal, Madras, and Bombay were required to make over their allegiance from the defunct East India Company to the Queen, as in the British Army.
The troops and civil officials attending the Durbar included four regiments of Bengal European Cavalry, composed of British rank-and-file. Lord Canning congratulated them on becoming "an integral part of the Royal forces." However, the exact terms of the transfer were still being debated by a Royal Commission, and the men were not in the mood for celebrations.
The transfer of power from the British East India Company to the British Crown resulted in some unrest among a section of European forces employed under the Company. They resented the move that required the three Presidency Armies to transfer their allegiance from the defunct Company to the Queen, as in the British Army. This resentment resulted in some unrest termed as White Mutiny (1859).
Before 1861, two separate military forces were operating under British rule in India - the Queen's army and the units of the East India Company. The Company's troops received Batta, extra allowances of pay to cover various expenditures related to operations in areas other than the home territories, while the British army did not get any extra payment. The officers of the British army were senior to those of the same rank in the EIC unit. The White Mutiny was the biggest revolt faced by the British army from their people.
The White Mutiny was an unrest that occurred in 1858-59 after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 when the "European Forces" of the East India Company were dissolved. On November 1st, 1858, a Durbar was held at Allahabad where Lord Canning, Governor-General of India, read out the Queen's Proclamation, abolishing the 250-year rule of the East India Company and transferring the government of India to the Crown. As a result, soldiers of the three Presidency Armies of Bengal, Madras, and Bombay were required to make over their allegiance from the defunct East India Company to the Queen, as in the British Army.
The troops and civil officials attending the Durbar included four regiments of Bengal European Cavalry, composed of British rank-and-file. Lord Canning congratulated them on becoming "an integral part of the Royal forces." However, the exact terms of the transfer were still being debated by a Royal Commission, and the men were not in the mood for celebrations.
The transfer of power from the British East India Company to the British Crown resulted in some unrest among a section of European forces employed under the Company. They resented the move that required the three Presidency Armies to transfer their allegiance from the defunct Company to the Queen, as in the British Army. This resentment resulted in some unrest termed as White Mutiny (1859).
Before 1861, two separate military forces were operating under British rule in India - the Queen's army and the units of the East India Company. The Company's troops received Batta, extra allowances of pay to cover various expenditures related to operations in areas other than the home territories, while the British army did not get any extra payment. The officers of the British army were senior to those of the same rank in the EIC unit. The White Mutiny was the biggest revolt faced by the British army from their people.
- The differences in physical characteristics between the two forces resulted in many cultural disparities in terms of their operations and how they perceived each other. These cultural differences led to deep misunderstandings between the two forces.
- The transfer of power was executed without any prior notice to the European troops of EIC. The transfer also resulted in the discontinuation of the batta. Lord Canning's legalistic interpretation of the transfer laws also enraged the affected White soldiers.
- The White Mutiny was considered a potential threat to the already unstable British position in India, as it could incite renewed rebellion among the "still excited population in India."
- The "European Forces" demanded either an enlistment bonus or a choice of release from their obligations. Finally, the demand for free and clear release with free passage home was granted, and men opted to return home.
The White Mutiny was highly successful in achieving its objectives. The demands of the European Forces officers and men centred on obtaining an enlistment bonus/bounty or release from their obligations. They were highly successful in achieving this aim, securing a promise of free and clear release with free passage home. The incidents that occurred at some of the installations, including open rebellion and physical violence by both the men and officers of the European Forces, made it unlikely for them to be generally accepted into the Queen's Army. Ultimately, 10,116 men chose to return home, of whom only 2,809 re-enlisted.