Admission of Educated Natives into the Indian Civil Service

In this book first published in 1868, Dadabhai Naoroji presents arguments for allowing educated Indians to join the Indian Civil Service under British rule. He compiles statistics, letters, and policy documents to examine the existing examination system and its impact on Indian candidates. The text outlines barriers faced by Indian candidates attempting to qualify for civil service positions, including age limits, travel requirements, and educational disparities. Naoroji documents correspondence between British officials and Indian petitioners regarding these restrictions. Through analysis of education systems and administrative policies, Naoroji builds a case for reform of civil service recruitment procedures. He presents data on costs, logistics, and qualification requirements that affect Indian applicants. The work stands as an early critique of colonial administrative practices and their role in limiting Indian participation in governance structures. The arguments reflect broader themes of equality, merit-based opportunity, and the relationship between education and civil rights.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Dadabhai Naoroji's overall work: Readers appreciate Naoroji's detailed statistical analysis in "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," noting his methodical documentation of economic data. Many highlight his clear writing style that makes complex economic concepts accessible. Readers praise his logical arguments and use of British government's own data to prove his points. One reader on Goodreads notes: "His systematic breakdown of trade figures and revenue statistics builds an irrefutable case." Common criticisms focus on the dated writing style and dense economic tables that can be difficult to follow for modern readers. Some note that certain sections feel repetitive. Limited reviews exist on major platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Internet Archive: 4/5 (15 ratings) Academic citations and scholarly reviews dominate the discourse around Naoroji's work, with fewer general reader reviews available online. The book remains more frequently referenced in academic papers than discussed in public forums.

India Under British Rule by James Talboys Wheeler This examination of colonial administration and civil service practices in British India provides historical context for the issues of Indian representation in government.

The Indian Civil Service and Indian Administration by L.K. Jha The text documents the evolution of civil service recruitment policies and their impact on Indian participation in colonial governance.

The Competition Wallah by George Otto Trevelyan The work presents first-hand observations of the examination system and recruitment practices for the Indian Civil Service during the British Raj.

The Indian Civil Service, 1601-1930 by Edward Blunt This historical study traces the development of civil service institutions and the gradual inclusion of Indian officers in administrative roles.

Selected Speeches and Writings of Gopal Krishna Gokhale by D.G. Karve and D.V. Ambekar The collection includes key arguments for Indian representation in civil service and administrative reform during the colonial period.

🔷 Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the "Grand Old Man of India," was the first Asian to be elected to British Parliament in 1892, serving as MP for Central Finsbury 🔷 The book advocated for Indians to be allowed to take civil service examinations in India rather than having to travel to London, as the expensive journey prevented many qualified candidates from applying 🔷 Published in 1868, this work was instrumental in highlighting the economic drain of India's wealth to Britain through the exclusion of Indians from high-ranking administrative positions 🔷 Naoroji developed his influential "drain theory" of colonialism partly through his research for this book, demonstrating how British policies systematically impoverished India 🔷 The reforms advocated in this book eventually led to the Indian Civil Service Examination being held simultaneously in London and India starting from 1922, more than 50 years after the book's publication