Principles and structures of indirect rule on British colonial administration - SS2 Government Lesson Note

Indirect rule was a system of British colonial administration that relied on traditional rulers and institutions to govern the territories that they controlled. The system was based on several principles and structures, and they include:

• ·         Decentralization: Power was decentralized and given to local chiefs and leaders who were trusted to govern their communities according to local customs and traditions.
• ·         Collaboration: British officials worked with local leaders to make decisions about governance and administration. They relied on the knowledge and expertise of local leaders to make informed decisions about local issues.
• ·         Preservation of traditional systems: Indirect rule allowed for the preservation of local customs and traditions, including the traditional systems of justice, administration, and taxation.
• ·         Limited intervention: The British did not interfere in local affairs unless they felt it was necessary to maintain order or protect British interests.
• ·         Hierarchy: The traditional rulers were organized into a hierarchy, with lower-level chiefs answering to higher-level chiefs, who in turn answered to British officials.

The structures of indirect rule included a system of British officials who oversaw the work of local chiefs and leaders. This system was designed to maintain control and authority while allowing for local self-governance. British officials often played a role in the collection of taxes and the administration of justice, but they worked within the traditional systems to avoid disrupting local customs and traditions.