'Divide and rule' was the policy of?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2016

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

The 'Divide and Rule' policy was a core administrative strategy of the British Empire to maintain control over its colonies, particularly India.
The primary goal was to prevent the diverse populations and local rulers of India from uniting against British authority.
This was achieved by exploiting and exacerbating existing religious, regional, and social differences.
Key historical examples include the Partition of Bengal in 1905 and the introduction of separate electorates through the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, both of which deepened communal divides.

Option B: The French had colonial territories in India (like Puducherry), but their influence was not as widespread as the British. They did not implement a subcontinent-wide 'Divide and Rule' policy.
Option C: The Dutch presence in India was primarily focused on trade, particularly spices, through the Dutch East India Company. They controlled trading posts but did not govern large swathes of Indian territory.
Option D: The Portuguese were among the earliest European powers in India, but their control was largely confined to coastal areas like Goa, Daman, and Diu. Their focus was on maritime trade and religious conversion rather than large-scale territorial administration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain British colonial policy in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the 'Divide and Rule' policy is crucial for comprehending the historical roots of modern political and social divisions in South Asia.
The legacy of this policy is often cited in discussions about communalism and regional conflicts in post-independence India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
It serves as a case study in political science and history on how external powers can manipulate internal societal fractures to maintain control.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question, which is the political strategy 'Divide and rule'.
Next, consider the historical context provided by the options, which are all European colonial powers with a history in India.
Recall or deduce which of these powers held the most extensive and long-lasting empire on the Indian subcontinent. This was the British Empire.
Connect the strategy to the power that had the most to gain from it. A vast, diverse territory like India was difficult to control, making a 'Divide and Rule' strategy essential for the British to maintain their authority.
Eliminate the other options by considering their comparatively limited territorial control in India (Portuguese, French) or primary focus on trade rather than large-scale governance (Dutch).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 47-49