The British Policies of Transforming Justice Administration of Murshidabad Nawabs

Abstract

This paper attempts to map the intricacies of justice disbursement processes operative in Murshidabad during the time of Nawabs and its unfortunate overhaul resulting from the interference of the British. Based on sheer ignorance of the intricacies of Islamic Justice system, the British sought to alter the judicial edifice of the country and replace it with their own system which proved to be counter-productive for the many judicial administrators and officials. Whether in the form of administrative orders or rules for resolving disputes and punishing crimes, the new justice system had a transformative role, albeit negative to play in indigenous society. It played its part by changing the social values and purpose of things, the rhythm and rules of work, the use and division of space and even the order of personal relationships. Since the norm was denial of existing values and customs what emerged as law and justice were colonial creations and situations of British prejudices and extreme vulnerability of the natives made all their causes appear hopeless.