question_answer

What was the conflict related to the wearing of shoes between Indians and the British officials?

Answer:

(i) At the beginning of the 19th century, it was customary for the British officials to follow Indian etiquettes and remove their shoes in the courts of ruling kings.

(ii) Some British officials also wore Indian clothes.

(iii) In 1830, Europeans were forbidden from wearing Indian clothes at official functions, so that the Whites looked different, as masters.

(iv) Governor-General Amherst insisted that Indians take their shoes off as a sign of respect when they appeared before him, but this was not strictly followed.

(v) Lord Dalhousie, later on made 'shoe-respect' strict and Indians were made to take off their shoes when entering any government institution; only those who wore European clothes were exempted from this rule.