Eduqo
Modern Indian History›Ch 2: British Policies & Reforms›Regulating Act to Charter Acts
Constitutional Development of British India (1773-1853)
British control over the East India Company grew systematically from 1773 to 1853, transforming a trading body into a centralized colonial administration.
Memory Hooks
| Act | Key Provision | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Regulating Act 1773 | Governor of Bengal made Gov-Gen of Bengal | First step to parliamentary control |
| Pitt's India Act 1784 | Dual system: Board of Control & Directors | Distinguished commercial & political affairs |
| Charter Act 1813 | Ended trade monopoly except tea and China | Allowed Christian missionaries in India |
| Charter Act 1833 | Gov-Gen of Bengal became Gov-Gen of India | Final step towards centralization |
| Charter Act 1853 | Open competition for civil services | Separated legislative & executive functions |
1773 Act
(Supreme Court Calcutta)
Supreme Court Calcutta
Established Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1774.
1784 Act
(Dual Control Board)
Dual Control Board
Board of Control was created for political control.
1833 Act
(Full Centralization)
Full Centralization
William Bentinck became the first Gov-Gen of India.
1853 Act
(Civil Services Exam)
Civil Services Exam
Macaulay Committee introduced open civil services exam.
First Governor-General of India was Warren HastingsFirst Governor-General of Bengal was Warren Hastings
Warren Hastings was Gov-Gen of Bengal (1773). William Bentinck was first Gov-Gen of India (1833).
Trade monopoly ended completely in 1813Trade monopoly in tea and China remained till 1833
1813 ended general monopoly, but tea and China trade monopoly was kept until the Charter Act of 1833.
Board of Control managed commercial affairsBoard of Control managed political affairs
Board of Control looked after political affairs, while Court of Directors handled commercial affairs.
Q1.Which Act made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India?
Q2.By which Act was the system of dual control (Board of Control and Court of Directors) introduced?