David Scott in Assam

 Introduction to

David Scott Among the English officers who took the leading role in the establishment of British rule in Assam, David Scott stands out. David Scott was born in Scotland in 1786. Trained at Fort William College, Kolkata, he held important posts in various parts of undivided Bengal and in Cooch Behar as an accomplished civil servant. In November 1822 he was appointed agent to the Governor-General on the question of the North-East Frontier, in addition to the duties of his own office. As per the Treaty of Yandabur on 24th February 1826, when Brahmadesh handed over the occupied part of Assam to the Company, Jvid Scott administered the administration of Assam from 1826-1828 AD as the Agent to the Governor General. In 1828 he was promoted to the post of British Commissioner of Assam and he held that post till his death in 1831 and played an important role in the expansion and consolidation of British power in Assam.

David Scott's Reforms

As Agent to the Governor General of Assam from 1826 to 1828, David Scott brought the details of the administration to the notice of the Fort William authorities and conducted all affairs with their advice. After being promoted to the post of Commissioner in 1828, he presented some of his own thoughts and proposals to the authorities on how to gain the confidence of all and establish British power in Assam. Some of his proposals were accepted by the authorities while many were rejected.

It is true that David Scott was a figurehead of colonial and imperial power in Assam. But Scott, inspired by the democratic spirit, was not in favor of violent and naked attacks. As a result, after the Treaty of Yandabur, his primary responsibility was to restore some peace and order to Assam, which had been devastated by the Burmese invasion. The authority of the Ahom kings was weak in lower Assam and Muslim rule continued for some time in the region bordering Bangladesh. As a result, from the revenue system to the social system, etc., it was similar to the neighboring Bangladesh, and because of this, Lower Assam was relatively easily incorporated into the British Empire and easy to rule. But the political and socio-social infrastructure of Upper Assam was completely different in nature.

 In fact, Upper Assam was the seat of power of the Ahom kings. David Scott realized that the pain of losing power would not be easily forgotten by the Ahom elite.

As a result he adopted a policy of some sympathy for the elite. However, he severely suppressed the rebellions of the elites. However, it was through Scott's initiative that Purandar Singh finally ascended the throne. Without putting an end to the 'Khel' system prevalent in the Aham kingdom, he tried to modernize some of the other practices associated with that system. Instead of the traditional barter system, he introduced payment of taxes in cash and all exchanges in cash. He abolished the labor system of pike as personal servants of the nobility and the medieval penal system.

 David Scott also took special initiative for education. It was on his call that the Srirampur Baptist Mission established a branch office in 1829, first at Guwahati and later at Cherrapunji. The main objective of those missionaries was to spread the light of education along with Christianity. Although the Guwahati mission was subsequently closed, Scott was not disheartened. Rather, he established 11 schools with the permission of the authorities, mainly in Lower Assam, for the purpose of teaching in the native style and with an emphasis on the Sanskrit language.

David Scott's Assessment

David Scott tried to introduce several reforms in Assam with considerable sympathy. But he could not keep the promise he made to the people of Assam that is - the British came to Assam not to occupy Assam but to free the people of Assam from Burmese misrule. On the other hand, the management of the company was not very happy with David Scott's work as the revenue was not collected as expected from the whole of Assam. That is, David Scott was criticized by both Assamese and British authorities. But as a result of overworking to establish British rule in Assam, Scott left this world at the age of 45. Perhaps for this reason, the next commissioner Robertson (1831-34 AD) commented on Scott, "Doubtless Scott attempted more than he was equal to perform".

 The reforms introduced by David Scott in Assam's governance led to a chaotic situation in the governance system. He did not understand that the democratic system of the capitalist West was unworkable in a feudal society. So A. C. Banerjee says "Failure to realize the basic incompatibility of the Ahom and British system was Scott's greatest weakness..." Yet Scott is portrayed as a friend of oppressed people. So Assamese historian Nirode K. Barooah said ..... No Assamese could have more efficiently championed the cause of his country as did Scott".