Introduction
The British Parliament passed the Pitt’s India Act of 1784. This was done to correct the weaknesses of the Regulating Act of 1773. It increased British government control over the East India Company while allowing the Company to handle commerce.
Background & Need for the Act
- Failure of the Regulating Act (1773)
- The Governor-General’s Council often had conflicts, weakening governance.
- Supreme Court vs. Company administration disputes led to confusion.
- Corruption and mismanagement continued in the Company’s rule.
- Company’s Financial Crisis
- Heavy military expenses in India led to huge debts for the Company.
- British Parliament wanted direct control over Indian affairs.
- Anglo-Mysore Wars & Political Instability
- The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-84) exposed British military weaknesses.
- Pitt’s India Act was passed to establish better control over military and political matters in India.
Key Provisions of Pitt’s India Act, 1784
- Dual System of Control:
- Board of Control (6 members appointed by the British Government) to oversee political, military, and revenue matters.
- Court of Directors (Company officials) to handle commercial matters.
- The Company had to follow the British government’s orders in administration.
- Governor-General’s Authority Increased:
- The Governor-General’s power was strengthened over Bombay & Madras Presidencies.
- Governor-General of Bengal (Lord Cornwallis) was given greater control over Company affairs.
- Company’s Territorial Possessions Declared as British Rule:
- The Act officially declared that territories acquired by the East India Company were under British sovereignty.
- Reduced Council of Governor-General:
- The number of members in the Governor-General’s Council was reduced from four to three, making decision-making easier.
- Strict Control over Company Officials:
- Corruption and private trade by Company officials were to be strictly monitored.
- British Crown had the final authority over Indian policies.
Significance of Pitt’s India Act
✅ Increased British government’s control over the East India Company.
✅ Established a clear system of governance in India.
✅ Strengthened the Governor-General’s role in administration.
✅ Laid the foundation for British imperial control in India.
❌ However, confusion remained in some areas of governance due to the dual system.
Objective Questions (MCQs)
- What was the main purpose of Pitt’s India Act (1784)?
a) To grant independence to India
b) To bring the East India Company under British control
c) To establish trade relations with France
d) To introduce democracy in India
✅ Answer: b) To bring the East India Company under British control - Which British Prime Minister was responsible for Pitt’s India Act?
a) Robert Clive
b) William Pitt the Younger
c) Lord Cornwallis
d) Warren Hastings
✅ Answer: b) William Pitt the Younger - What were the two controlling bodies introduced by Pitt’s India Act?
a) House of Commons and House of Lords
b) Board of Control and Court of Directors
c) Supreme Court and Privy Council
d) Governor-General and Viceroy
✅ Answer: b) Board of Control and Court of Directors - Which Governor-General’s power was increased by the Pitt’s India Act?
a) Lord Wellesley
b) Lord Cornwallis
c) Robert Clive
d) Lord Dalhousie
✅ Answer: b) Lord Cornwallis - What was the main flaw of Pitt’s India Act?
a) It gave too much power to Indian rulers
b) It caused conflicts between the Board of Control and Court of Directors
c) It ended the British rule in India
d) It increased corruption in the East India Company
✅ Answer: b) It caused conflicts between the Board of Control and Court of Directors
Subjective Questions
- What were the main features of Pitt’s India Act, 1784?
- How did Pitt’s India Act improve upon the Regulating Act of 1773?
- Explain the concept of the “Dual System of Control” under Pitt’s India Act.
- What was the role of the Board of Control in British India?
- Discuss the impact of Pitt’s India Act on the administration of India.
Conclusion
The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 marked a crucial step towards direct British control over India. It established a dual governance system that lasted until 1858. The British Crown took full control after the Revolt of 1857.
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