ABSTRACT
I must begin by de ning indirect rule in order to concentrate the argument and avoid certain diversions which have generally been used to describe, not a general principle of government, but a particular and local form of its application. e expedient by which a conquering people makes use of the institutions of the conquered is as old as history. ere are circumstances which, if only for a time, make it unavoidable. Direct government in the fullest sense may be practicable where neighbouring and culturally intelligible people are annexed, but it is out of the question when the agents of a distant nation are rst confronted by a numerous and primitive people. An e ective administrative grasp is checked by lack of power, and even more of knowledge, and the situation imposes on the rulers at least a tacit recognition of existing laws and customs.
