Chapter 8: Spies Reports Part 1
March 10, 1882
Five Months Later, In Mehbub's bedroom, he looked intently at the files provided by Natasha. "Are these reports accurate?" he asked.
Natasha nodded confidently. "Yes, Master, they are all accurate. We stole this information from the Viceroy's office, and we also sent people to verify it."
"Has anyone noticed the leak from the British side?" Mehbub inquired, his gaze sharp.
"No, Master," Natasha replied. "We copied the data during the night. Our agents disguised themselves as guards and stole it. Thanks to the spies provided by you—highly trained individuals from various foreign powers—the operation was flawless."
Mehbub felt a surge of embarrassment as he received the praise, knowing it was all due to the system guiding him. Still, he nodded in acknowledgment. He then opened the first file and read the report:
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Main Strategic Areas for British Control in India
The British rule over India was considered vulnerable if the following key strategic areas were captured or fell into hostile hands:
1. Calcutta
Significance: The primary administrative and military base for the British in eastern India. Losing Calcutta would severely affect British control over Bengal and the eastern regions.
2. Bombay
Significance: A major port and economic hub, crucial for British trade and naval operations. Capturing Bombay would disrupt maritime trade and communications.
3. Delhi
Significance: The political and strategic center of northern India. Control of Delhi was essential for maintaining authority over the northern plains and surrounding regions.
4. Madras
Significance: A key administrative and naval base in southern India. Losing Madras would cripple British operations in the south.
5. Lahore
Significance: A strategic military and administrative center in the Punjab region. Capturing Lahore would affect British control over northwestern India and the Afghan border.
6. Hyderabad
Significance: Though not directly under British rule, Hyderabad held regional influence. Capturing it could affect British control over the Deccan and central India.
7. Allahabad
Significance: Located at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, it was vital for controlling northern India.
8. Lucknow
Significance: Key to controlling Awadh and essential to British military operations, especially after its role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
9. Kanpur
Significance: A major military and strategic location in central India, crucial for British logistics and military operations.
10. Agra
Significance: An important strategic location in northern India, essential for controlling the central region.
11. Ahmedabad
Significance: An important center in western India, vital for trade and military logistics.
12. Pune
Significance: A strategic military and administrative location in western India, critical for maintaining British control over the region.
13. Karachi
Significance: A major port and strategic point in Sindh, essential for British control over the western frontier and maritime routes.
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The capture of any of these key strategic areas would have posed a significant threat to British control over India. The British military strategy focused on maintaining a strong presence in these critical locations to ensure the stability of their rule. Losing control in any of these areas would disrupt British administrative, economic, and military operations, potentially undermining their colonial authority.
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Mehbub then opened the second file, which detailed the British military presence:
British Military Presence in India
1. Calcutta
Total Troops: 10,000–12,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry regiments, artillery batteries, and cavalry units.
2. Bombay
Total Troops: 8,000–10,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry, artillery, and cavalry.
3. Delhi
Total Troops: 5,000–7,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry, artillery, and some cavalry.
4. Madras
Total Troops: 6,000–8,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry, artillery, and cavalry.
5. Lahore
Total Troops: 4,000–6,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry, artillery, and a small cavalry presence.
6. Hyderabad
Total Troops: Though not directly British-controlled, Hyderabad maintained 10,000–12,000 troops under the Nizam, with British advisors and small contingents.
7. Lucknow
Total Troops: 4,000–6,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry and artillery.
8. Allahabad
Total Troops: 3,000–5,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry and artillery.
9. Kanpur
Total Troops: 3,000–5,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry and artillery.
10. Agra
Total Troops: 2,000–3,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry and artillery.
11. Ahmedabad
Total Troops: 2,000–3,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry and artillery.
12. Pune
Total Troops: 4,000–6,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry, artillery, and cavalry.
13. Karachi
Total Troops: 2,000–3,000 soldiers.
Units: Infantry and artillery.
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Troop Composition
Infantry: The bulk of the British military in India consisted of infantry units, forming the backbone of their forces.
Artillery: Artillery units were stationed in major garrisons, equipped with field guns and heavy artillery.
Cavalry: Cavalry units were smaller but vital for reconnaissance and rapid deployment.
Engineers and Support: These units included medical, logistical, and technical support, essential for maintaining military infrastructure.
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Finally, Mehbub turned to the third file:
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British Military Arsenal and Strategic Locations
1. Calcutta:
Fort William: The primary British military base in eastern India.
2. Bombay:
Bombay Arsenal: A major center for manufacturing and storing arms.
Fort William: A key military and administrative hub.
3. Delhi:
Delhi Fort: Crucial for controlling northern India.
4. Madras:
Fort St. George: The central military and administrative base in southern India.
5. Lahore:
Lahore Fort: A strategic military stronghold in Punjab.
6. Hyderabad:
Hyderabad State Military: A significant force under the Nizam, with British advisors.
7. Allahabad:
Allahabad Fort: Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
8. Lucknow:
Lucknow Fort: A pivotal military post, especially noted for its role in 1857.
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The British military infrastructure is designed to maintain their authority across India, ensuring control of strategic regions, facilitating military logistics, and suppressing dissent.