introduction :
the historical background of British rule in India and the
legislative acts that shaped the governance system.
The British entered India in 1600, initially welcomed by Indians who thought they came for
betterment, but soon the British started ruling India.
Whenever Indians revolted or tried to bring change, the British responded by introducing new
laws to maintain control.
The eic employees, often paid low salaries, engaged in private trade, causing losses to the
company, which eventually had to seek loans from the British government.
"Private trade" refers to any commercial transaction not made available to the general
public, most commonly meaning a private individual trading for their own account or a
financial institution trading with its own funds (proprietary trading) rather than client money.
This led to the introduction of centralized control and several acts:
Regulating Act of 1773:
1. Governor of Bengal became Governor-General of Bengal.
a Governor General represented the sovereign or central government over a colony or
a large administrative region, while a Governor represents a central government within
a specific, smaller administrative unit, such as a state or province. Historically,
Governor Generals were rulers of entire colonies (like British India), whereas
Governors were appointed by them or their central government to manage smaller
sections within that colony. Today, in the context of Commonwealth realms, the title
"Governor-General" refers to the monarch's representative in an independent country,
while "Governor" still represents the central government in a subdivision like a state.
2. Executive council of four members was formed.
3. Governors were appointed for Bombay and Madras but with limited powers.
4. Supreme Court was established in Calcutta.
5. Private trade was banned.
6. Court of Directors was set up to supervise the East India Company.
Pitt’s India Act of 1784:
1. Separated commercial and political functions of the East India Company.
2. Political power was centralized and commercial power was separated.
controlled by a single authority or managed in one place.
3. Board of Directors was made accountable to the British government.
4. The term "British position in India" was coined.
Charter Act of 1833:
1. Governor-General of Bengal became Governor-General of India with civil and military powers.
2. Legislative powers of Bombay and Madras governors were taken away.
3. The commercial activities of the East India Company were ended.
4. Attempts were made to introduce open competition for civil services but were unsuccessful.
Government of India Act 1858 (post-1857 revolt):
1. Governor-General of India was renamed Viceroy of India.
2. The dual system of government was abolished.
A dual system is a broad term referring to any structure, concept, or method involving two distinct
but complementary parts or approaches working together. Examples include the dual banking
system in the US (state and national charters), dual education systems (combining theory and
practice), the dual government system in 18th-century Bengal (Diwani and Nizamat), or the dual
systems model in psychology.
3. Secretary of State for India was appointed, assisted by a council.
4. British Crown took direct control over India.
Indian Councils Act 1892:
1. Non-official Indian members were added to provincial councils but without majority power.
2. Indians could discuss budgets and ask questions but had limited influence.
3. The size of legislative councils was increased.
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms 1919:
1. Introduced dyarchy in provinces, separating subjects into transferred and reserved categories.
Dyarchy- a system of government where two different authorities share control over the same
territory, or where a territory is divided into two classes of administrators or rulers
Provinces-- an administrative division within a country or state.
2. First time bicameralism and direct elections were introduced.
Bicameralism is the practice of a legislative body being divided into two separate assemblies or
houses, known as a bicameral legislature.
3. Required at least half of the Viceroy’s executive council to be Indian.
4. Separate electorates were extended to various communities.
5. Provincial budgets were separated from the central budget.
6. Franchise was extended based on property, tax, and education.
7. Public Service Commission was established in 1926 for civil service recruitment.
Periodic statutory commissions were set up to review governance every 10 years.