ABSTRACT
The reality of imperial power had passed away leaving it open for any ambitious officer to seek to establish his power, and the Company had resources which were manifestly certain to give it a great advantage over its rivals. The main structure of Indian government as laid down in the Charter Act of 1793 remained unchanged during the long period of European war, but minor measures were enacted by Parliament to meet emergent needs. The Bengal army was largely recruited from Oudh, in that of Madras Muslims, Telingas, and Tamils supplied the most in numbers; they were clearly inferior to the forces of Bengal or Bombay. The essential attitude of the governments was expressed in Bengal in the regulations of 1793 which gave an assurance of protection of the Indians in the free exercise of their religion, the maintenance of customs and of endowments.
