Abstract
The article problematises the colonial view of contented and loyal peasantry and argues that the British system of political control, based on collaboration and patron-client ties, had historical and cultural antecedents. Punjabi peasantry and soldiers were loyal and trustworthy but they could not be left on the mercy of fate to face the brunt of economic vicissitudes, and seditious and subversive influences. Collaborating elite assisted the British in maintaining stability and peace yet the British had to continuously address the grievances of the peasantry whether it was the case of land alienation or the colony disturbances of 1907. Moreover, western ideology of Social Darwinism provided intellectual underpinnings to the martial race theory. This was imbibed by the collaborating elite because it provided them with the opportunity to maintain their lifestyle encoded by the traditional notions of izzat. Collaborators helped the British in recruitment. Troops raised from Punjab were always more loyal and effective as compared to other parts of India. Yet the British had to safeguard Punjabi loyalism through various measures.