The feudal system that had been instituted in the late nineteenth century became increasingly aggressive and reached its peak by allocating all existing inhabited hamlets to members of the ruling class, which had also reached its greatest expansion. This chapter examines the British role in breaking the tyranny of the Al Khalifa to reshape their rule, their resources, local relations, and to some extent, their intra-tribal norms. It illustrates the radical shift in the British Government's policy towards Bahrain from being simply a protector and moderator of external affairs to becoming very much embroiled with local politics and bureaucratic order.

The chapter traces the beginning of the British-introduced reform plan, and the various local reactions to it among the Al Khalifa, the Sunni tribes, and the Baharna. It illustrates the circumstances after which Shaykh ‘Isa bin ‘Ali was forced to retire from his position, and will show why and how the Baharna rebelled against oppression and the feudal system. It will also explain how, acting on the advice of the British Agent, Major Daly, Hamad bin ‘Isa, the Regent Ruler, dealt with defiant family members as well as with his tribe's long-established allies. These bold steps will define the core of the current socio-political structure in Bahrain.

Britain's Interests in Bahrain

Although the British Government had enjoyed a virtual political monopoly in the Gulf since 1820, it did not take any steps to officially extend its pre-eminence over the shaykhdoms. These fragile and disorganised principalities were never recognised as colonies, even during the high point of the British Empire's influence in the region (late 1800s/early 1900s), and the British Raj appeared content with the bilateral agreements that had been concluded with the chiefs of the ruling tribes since 1820. The British Government pursued pragmatic policies to preserve the status quo in the Gulf and at the same time, deliberately endeavoured to enhance its own standing over Gulf waters without provoking or alerting other international rival powers (specifically, Russia, France, United States, Japan, Germany and the Ottoman Empire).