Introduction
The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step by the British Parliament. It was meant to control and regulate the administration of the British East India Company in India. It aimed to address corruption, financial mismanagement, and the growing political power of the Company.
Background & Need for the Act
- Uncontrolled Company Rule:
- The East India Company was acting like a sovereign power in India, making policies without British government oversight.
- The Company had territorial control after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764).
- Financial Crisis:
- The Company was facing a financial crisis due to corruption and mismanagement.
- It sought a loan of £1.4 million from the British government.
- Political Pressure in Britain:
- Reports of Company officials’ corruption, including Warren Hastings, led to demands for reform.
- British Parliament wanted to regulate the Company’s operations in India.
Key Provisions of the Regulating Act, 1773
- Governor of Bengal Becomes Governor-General of Bengal:
- Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal.
- This reduced the autonomy of Bombay and Madras Presidencies, as they had to follow Bengal’s decisions.
- Supreme Court Established in Calcutta (1774):
- First British court in India with jurisdiction over British subjects and Company officials.
- Judges: Elijah Impey (Chief Justice) and three others.
- Council of Four for Governor-General:
- A four-member executive council was created to assist the Governor-General.
- Decisions were taken by majority voting, limiting the Governor-General’s power.
- Members: Philip Francis, Clavering, Monson, and Barwell.
- Company Directors Answerable to the British Government:
- The British Crown gained indirect control over Indian administration.
- Company’s Directors had to submit reports on Indian revenue, civil, and military affairs.
- Restrictions on Company Officials:
- Company servants were prohibited from engaging in private trade.
- Bribery and corruption were to be checked.
Significance of the Act
✅ First step towards British Government control over India.
✅ Created Governor-General’s post, strengthening central administration.
✅ Established Supreme Court, introducing rule of law.
❌ However, the Act was weak in implementation due to frequent conflicts within the Council.
❌ Did not define relations between the Supreme Court & Company administration, leading to disputes.
Objective Questions (MCQs)
- Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act, 1773?
a) Lord Cornwallis
b) Robert Clive
c) Warren Hastings
d) Lord Wellesley
✅ Answer: c) Warren Hastings - Which year was the Supreme Court established in Calcutta?
a) 1773
b) 1774
c) 1784
d) 1793
✅ Answer: b) 1774 - What was the main purpose of the Regulating Act of 1773?
a) To grant more power to the East India Company
b) To end British rule in India
c) To bring the East India Company under British parliamentary control
d) To introduce democracy in India
✅ Answer: c) To bring the East India Company under British parliamentary control - The Regulating Act of 1773 made the Governor of Bengal the—
a) Governor-General of India
b) Governor-General of Bengal
c) Viceroy of India
d) Chief Justice of Supreme Court
✅ Answer: b) Governor-General of Bengal - Who was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Calcutta (1774)?
a) Elijah Impey
b) Henry Vivian Derozio
c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
d) William Bentinck
✅ Answer: a) Elijah Impey
Subjective Questions
- What were the key features of the Regulating Act of 1773?
- Why was the Regulating Act of 1773 introduced?
- Explain the impact of the Regulating Act on the East India Company.
- What were the limitations of the Regulating Act?
- How did the Supreme Court of 1774 influence the administration in India?
Conclusion
The Regulating Act of 1773 was an important milestone in the governance of India under British rule. It marked the first direct intervention of the British Parliament in Indian affairs. This action paved the way for future laws like the Pitt’s India Act (1784) and Government of India Act (1858).
Would you like me to add a mind map or more details on any specific point? 😊