The Ulama in the Age of Colonialism

The Ulama in the Age of Colonialism prevented the extinction—at any rate temporarily, of the British dominion in Bengal and Oudh, if the mutiny had occurred before the installation of the telegraph. By means of wire (which the mutineers were not able to cut), the Governor-General, Lord Canning, sent for reinforcement from England. Again by telegrams, Lord Canning was able to get, and get quickly, invaluable contingents from Madras, from Bombay, London, and Burma. Further, he was in a position to recall a powerful force under General Outram sent on service into Persia. But most decisive of all was his ability to intercept, by an urgent and peremptory message sent by wire to Singapore, a completely equipped expeditionary army of 5000 men which was just on its way under Lord Elgin to deal with trouble in China. From Cape Colony, too, were brought, in response to a cabled appeal, two batteries of artillery, stores, horses and £ 60,000 in gold.” (pp. 156-157)