Changes introduced by British after the revolt of 1857

The Queen of Great Britain started ruling India directly. Earlier, it was East India Company which ruled over India.

The process of social reforms through legilation was largely scuttled. Interference in social and cultural issues of Indians was one of the reasons why war took place and so it made sense to leave the social practices of Indians alone.

British were surprised and afraid of the Hindu-Muslim unity in the war. From here onwards, they started an open policy of "Divide and Rule".

The people of Awadh participated on a large scale in the revolt so they were declared "non-martial". Most of the future recruitment to British Indian Army henceforth came from the wheat eating areas of larger Punjab region, NWFP and Nepali Gurkhas. Also, the ratio of Britishers to Indians in the Army was increased.

The British also gave up the policy of annexing princely states as this policy was one of the reasons for discontentment. However, it was made clear in no uncertain terms that princes ruled on the behalf of Queen and should not have any pretensions of sovereignty.