Raj

Overview

With the Indian Mutiny a thing of the past, the Raj is born, and in 1877 Victoria is proclaimed Queen Empress. The impact of Britain becomes more evident: canals bring life to deserts; railways criss-cross the country and help unify the subcontinent; the memsahib arrives. Civil servants flock out, often to be doctor, judge, vet and administrator all rolled into one. Bureaucracy flourishes, spawning such titles as 'Inspector of Steam Boilers and Prime Movers.' At the very top of the Raj reigned the Viceroy. In 1899 it was Lord Curzon - 'a very superior person' - and one of the most dazzling and controversial figures ever to hold the position.