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Rh crasies of individual character should stamp themselves on particular epochs, and give a special colour to the area of their influence. The progress of the English Empire was, in one sense, continuous; for it was the result of great causes which transcended alike human insight and human will. But its rate varied with the convictions and temperament of the ruler, who, for the time being, embodied the policy of England in the East.

One powerful character after another swayed the growth of Empire this way or that, gave it a momentary check or urged it with new-born impetus on its onward course. One school of rulers emphasised a policy of forbearance, cautious abstention, sympathy with the venerable fatuity of Eastern beliefs and the picturesque ineptitude of Eastern institutions. Another favoured a forward policy, and made no secret of the creed that the regeneration of India was to be found in unfaltering application of Western methods and the prompt and vigorous infusion of Western ideas.

At the close of the eighteenth century the Marquess of Wellesley exhibited the programme of conquest and supremacy in its most imposing light, and with bold hand traced the lineaments of a British Ráj which should be paramount in India. Hastings gave daring realisation to Wellesley's dreams, crushed the Pindárís, tamed the great Maráthá Confederacy, and proclaimed England as an Eastern Power by sending an Indian army to co-operate in Egypt against an European foe.