Lytton and the Policy of Proud Reserve

Introduction

Lord Lytton's "Policy of Proud Reserve" aimed to establish scientific frontiers, clarify relations with Afghanistan, and safeguard British spheres of influence. This policy resulted in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880):

1. Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880): As part of the policy, Lord Lytton initiated the invasion of Afghanistan. The war aimed to assert British influence in the region and clarify the terms of engagement with Afghanistan.
2. Treaty of Gandamak (May 1879): The war culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Gandamak in May 1879. The key provisions of the treaty included:
• The Amir (ruler of Afghanistan) would conduct his foreign policy with the advice of the Government of India.
• A permanent British resident would be stationed at Kabul, ensuring a British presence in the Afghan capital.
3. Shift in Policy by Ripon: Lord Ripon, who succeeded Lytton as Viceroy, abandoned the aggressive approach and adopted a policy of keeping Afghanistan as a buffer state. This marked a departure from Lytton's confrontational strategy.

In summary, Lord Lytton's "Policy of Proud Reserve" resulted in the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the subsequent Treaty of Gandamak, which aimed to secure British influence in Afghanistan. However, Lord Ripon later shifted the policy towards maintaining Afghanistan as a buffer state to ensure regional stability.

Key Aspects of Lytton and the Policy of Proud Reserve

Lord Lytton's tenure as the Viceroy of India (1876-1880) was marked by the introduction of a foreign policy known as the "policy of proud reserve." This policy aimed to redefine and assert British influence in the region, particularly concerning Afghanistan. Here are key points related to Lytton's policy:

1. Objective of the Policy: Lord Lytton aimed to establish clear and scientifically defined frontiers for British India and protect British spheres of influence. The policy of proud reserve sought to assert dominance over territories and neighboring regions.
2. Departure from Masterly Inactivity: Lytton's policy represented a departure from the previous approach of masterly inactivity, which emphasized a cautious and non-interventionist stance in foreign affairs. The policy of proud reserve was more assertive and proactive.
3. Clarification of Relationship with Afghanistan: Lytton believed that the relationship with Afghanistan needed to be clarified and made explicit. The policy aimed to redefine the terms of engagement with Afghanistan to secure British interests in the region.
4. Assertion of Dominance and Control: The policy emphasized asserting British dominance and control over territories. This proactive stance was intended to maintain stability in the region and prevent challenges to British influence.
5. Scientific Frontiers: Lytton advocated for the establishment of clear and scientifically defined frontiers for British India. This was seen as a strategic move to secure a strong and secure position for British India.
6. Mixed Results and Criticism: Lytton's policy faced criticism and had mixed results. It led to strained relations with Afghanistan and resulted in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880). Additionally, the policy encountered challenges during the Great Famine of 1876-1878, where the British response was criticized for inadequacy.
7. Shift towards Proactive Foreign Policy: Overall, Lytton's policy of proud reserve marked a shift towards a more proactive and assertive foreign policy approach. The aim was to safeguard British interests, redefine relationships with neighboring states, and establish a stable and secure position for British India in the region.

In summary, Lord Lytton's policy of proud reserve reflected a departure from the cautious approach of masterly inactivity, advocating for a more assertive and proactive stance in British India's foreign affairs.