Discuss the British vision of India had no single coherent set of ideas. On the contrary, the ideas were shot through with contradictions and inconsistencies.

Opportunities provided by the situations in different time was he base behind British rule in India, so the British rule lacked vision and was filled with contradictions and inconsistencism. British role was based on pure opportunism. This can be manifested by different political, economic, social and cultural policies of British rule. Various Governor-Generals had their different set of ideas regarding India e.g. Lord Wellesley's subsidiary Alliance system and Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse. Sometimes Britishers supported Hindus and another time Muslims. Towards princely states they assumed suspicious policies.

British crown assumed all responsibility of ruling India in its own hand otter 1857 revolt. British policy towards princely states, social reforms, view point about Hindu-Muslims, composition of Army, civil service reforms changed British policies. Tenants rights varied from region to region and based on political and social realities.

During the time of national movement, their reactions were more opportunistic than based on policies. The Round Table conferences were example of it Britisher's hard or soft attitude towards congress or Muslim League was based on situations. This can be known from the cripp's proposal of dominion states to complete independence by bifurcation through Mountbatten plan.

Therefore, we can say that British vision of India was the repository of opportunistic ideas which was reflected through their contradictory and inconsistent policies. Their only goal was to rule India as long as possible by manipulating different situations.

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