Two weeks after the fall of the city Henry arrived with a small entourage of officials. He had been sent to report on the situation as soon as Richard had received news from General Harris that Seringapatam had fallen. As he dismounted Henry cast an appreciative eye over the Dowlut Baugh.
‘You seem to have found yourself decent enough lodgings,’ he mused as he shook hands with his brother.
‘Oh, this?’ Arthur smiled. ‘I’m sure it will do for now. Until I can find something better. But do come inside and take some refreshment.’
‘Yes, I will, but first I have something for you.’ Henry reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a small package. ‘Some letters from Kitty. I swear that woman will have created a national paper shortage by the time you return to Ireland.’
While Henry had a bath and changed into some fresh clothes, Arthur sent word of his arrival to General Harris, still encamped to the west of the city, and as daylight faded the three men met on a terrace overlooking the gardens. After admiring the view as the sky turned a brilliant fiery red, they sat at the table Arthur had prepared for the meeting and Henry turned immediately to the notebook he had brought with him.
‘I’m sure you are aware how delighted the Governor General was to hear that the campaign had been concluded quickly and with minimal losses. He asked me to extend his personal gratitiude to you, General Harris.’
Harris bowed his head in polite acknowledgement. ‘Most kind, I’m sure. But there is still some ground to cover, I’m afraid.’
‘Oh?’
‘Not all of Tipoo’s commanders have yet surrendered to us. Some are still at large, and have fallen in with local groups of bandits. It will take some time to stamp them out.’
Henry frowned. ‘Will that entail keeping your army in Mysore? I’m sure you appreciate that John Company is keeping a close eye on the cost of this campaign, and will not be pleased to hear that there will be a delay in dispersing your forces.’
‘It can’t be helped,’ Harris replied evenly. ‘War is an expensive business.We will need to maintain a force in Mysore sufficient to crush the rebels. And one in particular.’
Henry raised an eyebrow as he held his pen poised above a fresh page of his notebook.
‘The man’s called Dhoondiah Waugh,’ Arthur explained. ‘He was one of Tipoo’s prisoners, but he escaped during the attack on the city. Since then he has been enlisting the support of other prisoners, and those who used to fight for Tipoo. So far he has contented himself with brigandage. But his following seems to be growing by the day, and the man has taken to calling himself the King of Two Worlds.’
‘Sounds like a modest, unassuming fellow. What do you propose to do about him, Arthur?’
‘Me? Surely this is a matter for General Harris?’
Henry could not help smiling slightly. ‘I should have told you before, but it seemed only decent to raise the matter once General Harris was with us.’
‘What matter?’ Arthur said irritably. ‘Speak plainly.’
‘Very well. Richard is minded to confirm your appointment as Governor General of Mysore on a permanent basis. That is, if General Harris has no objections.’ He turned to Harris with a questioning look.
‘Objections? No, none whatsoever. Colonel Wellesley has performed his temporary duties with commendable efficiency. The city is back under control, the markets have reopened and he has established good working relations with the local officials. You have my full support for his appointment.’
‘Good!’ Henry nodded with some relief, and Arthur sensed at once that the situation could have been very tricky if Harris had taken any exception to the appointment.‘Then it merely remains to set out the scope of his authority.’ He flicked back a few pages in his notebook and scanned some written comments. ‘Richard has decided that the new Governor of Mysore should have supreme political power in Mysore, and to have command of all troops serving between the western and eastern ghats.’ Henry glanced up at Harris. ‘That is to say, once you have led the army back across the border to Vellore. Obviously Richard does not want to cause any difficulties over protocol.’
‘Obviously,’ Harris replied. ‘And what kind of force does your brother propose to leave here in Mysore?’
‘Given the need to clear out the remaining nests of rebellion, and that fellow . . . what was his name again?’
‘Dhoondiah Waugh,’ Arthur answered patiently.
‘Of course.’The pen dipped into his inkwell and scratched out a brief note. ‘Now, as I was saying, the force will need to be sufficient for the job. According to the advice Richard sought in Madras, two regiments of King’s cavalry, another two of the Company’s native cavalry, and three battalions of King’s infantry and six of the Company’s should suffice. In addition to a decent complement of artillery, of course.’ Henry looked up innocently. ‘That should be sufficient, wouldn’t you say, General?’
‘From a military point of view, yes.’
‘Is there any other point of view I should be aware of ?’
‘Only that the command of such a large force would normally be assigned to a general. I can think of one or two men who might feel aggrieved by the appointment of Colonel Wellesley to such a prominent position.’
‘I assume you are referring to General Baird? We had a copy of his official protest before I set off from Madras. He was . . . how shall I put it? Intemperate in his remarks.’
General Harris smiled. ‘I can well imagine. He made his first protest to me in similar terms. I advised him to moderate his opinions, or seriously consider leaving the army.’
‘Did you, by God?’ Henry looked pleasantly surprised. ‘That must have nettled him.’
Harris folded his hands and stared back at Henry.‘Young man, I’ll have you know that I have nothing but admiration for General Baird as a soldier. In that respect he has no peer. But the man is no diplomat, nor a strategist. If he had at least some ability in those skills, I would have no hesitation in supporting his application for the post of Governor of Mysore. Even over your brother.’
‘I see.’ Henry had the grace to blush and continued in a far more respectful tone. ‘I thank you for your candid words, sir.’ He paused a moment, then referred back to his notes. ‘Which leaves the question of the choice of regent for the new Raja.’
‘I believe we have the right man,’ said Arthur. ‘A fellow called Purneah. He’s a man of his word and proved to be an able enough administrator under Tipoo. In my opinion he’s the best choice for the post of dewan.’
Henry frowned. ‘Dewan?’
Arthur smiled faintly. ‘Henry, you are going to have to make greater efforts to learn the local language. Dewan is their term for the principal minister of Mysore.’
‘Ah, a kind of prime minister then?’
‘There, you have it.’ Arthur nodded.
‘When can I meet this man, Purneah?’
‘Tomorrow. I’ve requested the opportunity to address the senior officials and civic leaders of Seringapatam and the surrounding towns - those we hold, at least.’
‘Very well,’ Henry shut his notebook with a quiet snap. ‘Tomorrow, then. And once you’ve spoken, then I have a few words to communicate to them from the Governor General of India.’
‘And what might they be?’
‘You’ll see.’
The next morning the audience chamber of the Dowlut Baugh was filled with the nobles and notables of Mysore.They had been told they were to hear a message from the highest-ranked sahib in India and they attended in their finest clothes. Henry had decided to address them from in front of the throne so that there would be no doubt as to who was the new power in Mysore.The five-year-old Raja was almost invisible as he perched on the throne and already looked thoroughly bored with proceedings.
When the last of the guests had arrived Henry took his place on the dais and waited until the murmuring came to an end. Arthur stood to one side of the throne, in his best uniform, the scarlet and gold braid brilliantly illuminated
by a shaft of sunlight streaming in through one of the tall windows that ran along the side of the audience chamber. As he looked over the faces of the men in front of him he could see the anxiety in their expressions, and he could well understand it. They had been freed from a tyrant, but had only the vaguest notions of what British rule would entail. The previous history of the Company’s involvement in India was one of naked exploitation and corruption, and would not inspire confidence in these men. It would be up to Arthur to prove to them the benefits of British rule. A victory had been won on the battlefield, but a much harder fight was about to begin in order to win the loyalty and trust of the natives.
Henry coughed lightly to clear his throat, and began. ‘I know that some of you speak my tongue, but my brother will translate what I have to say into Hindoostani so that there will be no misunderstanding.’ He paused while Arthur passed on his opening comments, then continued. ‘The Governor General of India sends you his greetings, and a promise. That this day marks the birth of a new commonwealth . . . that no nation in this continent, or any other, will ever rival in its greatness . . . He promises an end to corruption and an end to brigandage so that every man, woman and child in Mysore shall be free to travel without hindrance, and without fear.Trade will flourish and there will be peace for all . . .The Governor General pledges his word that the Golden Age of India is about to begin.’
Chapter 56
‘I am honoured, sahib.’ Purneah bowed his head. ‘But why ask me?’
‘For a number of reasons,’ Arthur replied. ‘You have a reputation for honesty, and plenty of administrative experience. You speak many languages fluently.’
‘Not least of all, English,’ Henry added with a smile. ‘And you were a loyal servant of Tipoo.’
Purneah bowed his head for a moment at the memory of his former ruler. ‘Which will make me appear not to be some kind of British placeman, in the eyes of my people.’
‘Precisely,’ said Henry, and turned to Arthur. ‘As bright as a button, just as you said.’
Arthur winced at his brother’s words. From the previous occasions when he had met Purneah he had come to realise the quality of the man, and now was embarrassed by Henry’s gauche manner and quickly attempted to gloss over it.
‘I would be honoured if you accepted the post of dewan, and worked with me in making Mysore into a peaceful and proud kingdom.’ Arthur leaned forward and looked at the man frankly. ‘Will you accept?’
Purneah’s dark eyes gazed back, and then he nodded. ‘Very well, I will accept. However, I imagine there will be conditions attached to the powers I will have at my disposal.’
‘Naturally,’ replied Henry. ‘We did not fight a war against Tipoo just to have another enemy rise up in his place. As with other territories allied to Britain, you will be required to have a resident here.The man the Governor General has chosen for the post is Barry Close. He’s an old India hand; I’m sure you will have excellent relations with him. In addition, Arthur will be required to remain in Mysore as military governor until the remnants of Tipoo’s warriors are dealt with, and the widespread banditry is suppressed. Once that has been achieved most of the British forces will be withdrawn. Even so, there will need to be a permanent garrison of Company troops in Seringapatam, to ensure the security of Mysore.That means the new Raja will not have need of a standing army. Of course, you will be required to pay for the upkeep of the soldiers.’
‘And who will these soldiers answer to?’
‘The Raja, in the first instance, but the ultimate decision on issues relating to their deployment and use will be a matter for the East India Company.’
‘Ah.’ Purneah smiled. ‘So, in other words, we will bear the costs of our own occupation.’
‘You could express it that way,’ Henry admitted. ‘But the presence of a Company garrison in Mysore will guarantee its security from outside invasion.’
‘As long as there’s a profit in it for the Company.’
Arthur shook his head. ‘That attitude belongs to the past.The British interest in India has reached a stage where we can no longer simply regard this continent as a trading post. We have an obligation to ensure that India is ruled wisely, in the interests of all its peoples. In that way everyone can profit from the arrangement, even the East India Company,’ he added with a wry smile.
‘Such idealism would be welcome,’ Purneah replied, and continued in an ironic tone, ‘and, of course, it would have the additional benefit, for Britain and the East India Company at least, of keeping French interests at bay.’
‘Yes, it would. Let’s not be coy about this. If Britain did not move to establish herself in India, then another European power would step in without hesitation. It is not a choice between independence and submission to Britain, but merely a choice between which power Mysore accepts as its overlord. From that point of view, it is my belief that it is in the best interests of the people of Mysore to bind their future to that of Britain.’ Arthur paused to let his words have their effect, then continued. ‘There is another aspect you need to consider. In the past, I grant that the representatives of the East India Company have not always conducted their business with sufficient rectitude.’
‘That has been noticed.’ Purneah smiled.
‘I’m sure. But that must and will change now that the administration of India is conducted by the British government and not the Company. Corruption and lawlessness will no longer be tolerated. That applies to Europeans as much as the natives of this continent. However, if this new order is to be made to work your people need to embrace the same values.’ Arthur looked at Purneah earnestly. ‘That is what I ask of you, and what you must ask of the people you appoint to serve in the government of Mysore.’
‘I see,’ Purneah said doubtfully.‘I will do all that I can to work successfully with you, sahib, but the people will need proof that you really mean what you say about this new order.’
‘Very well, then you shall have it,’ Arthur replied, then turned to Henry. ‘I assume that I will have the full backing of the Governor General with regard to any measures I take in this respect?’
‘Yes,’ Henry said solemnly. ‘Richard made that quite clear when he briefed me before I left Madras.’
Arthur nodded with satisfaction.
Once Henry had gathered enough information to present a detailed report on the situation in Mysore he returned to Madras to present his findings to Richard. Shortly afterwards General Harris re-formed his army, less the contingent left behind in Seringapatam, and with the host of camp followers retraced his steps to Vellore. The moment he quit the borders of Mysore, Arthur assumed full military and political authority in the new province. His first priority was to win the trust of Purneah and the people of Seringapatam, and not long after his appointment the opportunity arose.
From the outset, Arthur made it clear to his officers and officials of the Company that there had been too many beatings of Indians on the flimsiest of pretexts. He had witnessed Europeans thrashing water-carriers for being too slow in their duties, or even for failing to understand an instruction.They had been beaten with a wanton cruelty that would not have been tolerated if it had been given to a dumb animal back in England. In future, Arthur ordered, all such beatings would result in disciplinary action and the victims would be paid damages. His decree was met by vocal resentment amongst the officers of the Company battalions, who had grown accustomed to casual brutality after long years of service in India. Then, one day, Purneah came to the Dowlut Baugh in the company of a native woman. As soon as Fitzroy announced their arrival Arthur had them admitted to his office, bowing his head respectfully to each in turn.
‘How may I help?’
Purneah indicated the woman. ‘Sahib, this is the widow of Basur, a goldsmith who was one of General Harris’s camp followers. He died of his injuries last month. She wants justice.’
‘Injuries?’ Arthur raised his eyebrows.
‘He was attacked by a customer for failing to deli
ver a commissioned piece on time,’ Purneah explained. ‘He had been ill, and could not work for several days.When he returned to his workshop, the English officer who had paid for the piece was there. He was angry, very angry, sahib, and picked up one of Basur’s tools - a mallet - and began to beat him with it. Only when Basur was insensible did the man stop and leave the workshop.’ He nodded to the woman.‘His wife found him there when he did not return home at the end of the day. There was not much that could be done for him and he died a few days later.’
Arthur felt sick, before he felt fury at the officer who had done this. He called out for Fitzroy and when his aide entered the office, he instructed him to take notes, before turning his attention back to Purneah.
‘What is the name of this officer?’
‘Lieutenant William Dodd, of the East India Company, sahib.’
Arthur vaguely recalled the name, but could not put a face to him. He spoke to the woman. ‘Do you know which battalion Lieutenant Dodd belonged to?’
She glanced up quickly, momentarily surprised to be addressed in her own tongue by a white man, then her gaze dropped again and her hands picked at the folds of her sari as she replied. ‘Yes, sahib. After the attack I complained to the colonel. He said he would investigate. Then, two days ago, I heard that Dodd sahib had had his pay suspended for six months.’ She looked up again, and Arthur saw that tears were flowing down her cheeks. Her lips trembled as she continued. ‘Six months pay, sahib, that is all Basur’s life was worth . . . Now I have no husband; the children have no father. We want justice,’ she concluded defiantly.
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