How far do sources 1, 2 and 3 suggest that the British had a good

relationship with the people of India in 1877?

The context in which source 1 was written is important as it shows how the British were
aware of Indian culture as it was written and published in England for an English audience.
It states that there is a ‘vast extent and varied population…quite as great a diversity of
nations’ this suggests that India is a welcome society with many differences and that the
British understand and appreciate the good things India contains. Source 2 also shows
how the British felt about India. It shows three Indian men standing proudly behind the
Viceroy; this shows how they are supportive and respectful of the British regime. The
Indians are well dressed and so may be paid well and respected in return. Source 3 shows
some more respect to the British as a young prince presents a gift of thanks to the Queen.
It states that they wish an ‘expression of their hearty congratulations’ when the Queen is
given the title of Empress of India, this suggests they are happy with the arrangement and
comfortable within the relationship. Source 3 also says that ‘they pray for her, and for the
enduring prosperity of her Empire, both in India and in England’. This shows that the
Indian people are welcome and happy for the Queen to rule them; they want to prosper as
the empire grows and becomes stronger. The Indian people want to be a part of that and
appreciate the change and guidance the British bring with them.
Source 1 shows how the British understands Indian culture at the time; it claims that ‘If
some of our readers would impress these facts on their minds’, suggesting that there is
some hostility towards the culture in India, there is not full exception or understanding of
the importance of the country. Source 3 reveals that the Indians may realise that there is
hostility and not full acceptance from the British as it is full of reassurances such as ‘hearty
congratulations’, the use of the pre-modifier suggests fear or exaggeration, which would
not be necessary if their was a good relationship and mutual respect, it is as if they are
trying to confirm something. There is also the phrase ‘to assure the Queen’ suggesting that
there are doubts about the Indians and their willingness to follow. Source 2 also shows
how there is not an equality. The Indian men are standing to attention, whereas the British
Viceroy is slouched in his elaborately decorated chair. He looks bored or un-amused by
something. This implies that he has more power as the men seem to be serving him and
acting as a support to his authority.
Sources 1-3 show how the varying relationship between India and Britain in 1877,
source 1 lead us to believe that Britain misunderstood the Indian culture, therefore there
were reservations regarding the acceptance of Indian people. Source 2 shows how the
Viceroy did not respect the Indians as much as the Indians respected the British as they
serve him whilst he relaxes. Source 3 suggests a respect from the Indians as well,
because they express gratitude and optimism for the future as the Queen becomes the
Empress of India. Overall it is clear that the Indians were not respected enough by the
British, they were shown hostility through ignorance by the general population and
arrogance through power by officials. The Indians clearly respected the British and wanted
to co-operate with them, they showed a welcome attitude and were willing to submit to
British rule regardless.