History
Why Did the British Empire Adopt Indirect Rule?
Quick fact
In Nigeria, the British ruled 250 ethnic groups through just a handful of British residents, relying on traditional emirs who could raise taxes and administer justice under British supervision.
Why this is interesting
Imagine ruling an empire so vast that sending British officials to every village was impossible – so instead, the British let local kings and chiefs do the work for them. Why would an empire trust its power to those it conquered?