The EIC's Forgotten Reformer: Lord William Bentinck

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the tenure of Lord William Bentinck, Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. They discuss his controversial reforms: the abolition of sati in 1829, the suppression of thuggee, the introduction of English education, and the financial reforms that sought to salvage the East India Company's crumbling finances. Bentinck also oversaw the annexation of Mysore and the charter renewal of 1833, which ended the Company's monopoly on trade with China. Lucas examines Bentinck's utilitarian philosophy, his conflicts with conservative officials, and the complex legacy of a man hailed as a reformer but criticized for his high-handed methods. The episode touches on the role of figures like Raja Rammohan Roy, the Macaulay Minute, and the Indian legal system. Listeners will gain insight into a pivotal moment when British rule in India shifted from mercantile exploitation to a more interventionist, reformist agenda, setting the stage for the Raj. #LordWilliamBentinck #SatiAbolition #Thuggee #EnglishEducation #MacaulayMinute #RajaRammohanRoy #MysoreAnnexation #CharterAct1833 #Utilitarianism #BritishIndia #EastIndiaCompany #Calcutta #IndiaHistory #Reform #Colonialism #19thCentury #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo