Indian Polity :- Chapter 3 - Historical Background ( Part 1)

 Chapter 3 : Historical Background ( Part 1)

Part 1: Administrative reforms before 1857

1. Regulating Act of 1773 :
• East India Company under British Parliamentary control.
• 1st Governor General of Bengal - Warren Hastings
• Formation of Supreme Court at Calcutta in the year 1774.
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2. Pitts India Act of 1784 :
• 6 Member Board of Controllers was setup to gain better control over the regional as well as business related issues of East India Company.
3. Charter 'Act of 1793 :
• Courts were given powers to interpret rules and regulations.
• The Governor General's power of over-ruling his authority was affirmed.
• If Governor General was present in Madras or Bombay, his authority could supersede the governors of the Madras or Bombay. If Governor General was absent, he could appoint Vice President from among the council.
• East India company to pay 5 lakh British Pounds from the Indian revenue annually.
4.  Charter Act of 1813 :
• Trade monopoly of East India Company came to an end.
• The powers of Madras, Bombay and Calcutta enlarged.
• Permission to English missionaries for the spread of Christianity.
5. Charter Act of 1833 :
• Appointment of law member in the Governor General's Council
• Chairman of 1st Law Commission: Lord Macaulay
• Slavery system declared as illegal.
• Governor General's Government came to known as Government of India and his council as Indian Council.
6. Charter Act of 1853 :
• A separate Governor of Bengal to be appointed.
• Recruitment of Indians into government through Competitive exams.