Author: Michael D. Metelits

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2019-11-10

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 0190991305

Set against the political background of 19th century colonial India, The Arthur Crawford Scandal presents a critical analysis of bureaucratic and legal corruption in the country and suggests some long-term implications for the Indian justice system. The scandal was exposed when the eponymous revenue commissioner of the Central Division of Bombay Presidency, Arthur Travers Crawford, stood accused of corruption, but was subsequently absolved of all allegations of bribery. Through a descriptive analysis of this event, the volume also focusses on the collateral damage of the scandal—the Indian victims—as well as issues of racism, cultural differences and class conflict. Written in an engaging manner, the volume draws one into the narrative of the empire and reveals how public discussions in the newspapers, court rooms, and the British parliament played a role in shaping public notions of administrative morality. The book shows that even a century ago, discriminatory treatment by officials involved in corrupt acts weakened public confidence in and support for the ruling government.