Indirect Rule

Indirect Rule is a system of governance used by colonial powers, where local rulers maintain their authority under the oversight of the colonizers. Instead of direct control, colonial governments would use existing political structures and leaders to administer their colonies. This approach aimed to reduce administrative costs and resistance by co-opting local elites. The colonizers maintained ultimate authority but allowed local leaders to manage day-to-day affairs, thus facilitating governance while appeasing local populations. This method was notably employed by the British in parts of Africa and Asia during the colonial era.