UPSC Notes: Regulating Act of 1773
Background:
- East India Company's Expansion: By the mid-18th century, the East India Company (EIC) had established itself as a powerful political and economic force in India after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764).
- Financial Crisis: The EIC faced severe financial difficulties due to mismanagement, corruption, and the cost of wars. It sought a loan from the British government.
- Dual Government in Bengal: The EIC's administration in Bengal was marked by corruption and inefficiency under the dual governance system (Company and Nawab).
- Need for Control: The British Parliament wanted to regulate the EIC's activities to prevent exploitation and ensure accountability.
Provisions of the Regulating Act 1773:
- Centralized Administration:
- The Governor of Bengal was made the "Governor-General of Bengal" (Warren Hastings was the first).
- A council of four members was established to assist the Governor-General.
- Control Over Presidencies:
- The presidencies of Madras and Bombay were brought under the control of the Governor-General of Bengal.
- Supreme Court in Calcutta:
- A Supreme Court was established in Calcutta (1774) to administer justice and check corruption.
- It consisted of one Chief Justice and three other judges.
- Parliamentary Oversight:
- The EIC was required to submit its revenue and civil affairs reports to the British government.
- The Act aimed to reduce corruption by prohibiting EIC officials from engaging in private trade or accepting bribes.
Significance:
- First Step Towards Centralized Administration: It marked the beginning of parliamentary control over the EIC and laid the foundation for British rule in India.
- Judicial Reforms: The establishment of the Supreme Court introduced a formal judicial system.
- Accountability: The Act aimed to curb corruption and mismanagement within the EIC.
Drawbacks:
- Vague Provisions: The powers of the Governor-General and the council were not clearly defined, leading to conflicts.
- Limited Control: The Act did not fully address the issues of corruption and mismanagement.
- Conflict Between Supreme Court and EIC: The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court often clashed with the EIC's authority, creating administrative confusion.
- Inadequate Representation: Indians had no representation in the administration or judiciary.
Critical Analysis: Why the Act Failed?
- Weak Implementation: The Governor-General had no absolute power; decisions were made by majority votes in the council.
- Judicial Conflicts: The Supreme Court's jurisdiction was unclear, causing clashes with the EIC administration.
- No Direct Parliamentary Control: The Act increased oversight but did not establish direct governance by the British Crown.
- Paved the Way for Pitt's India Act (1784): Due to the failure of this Act, another act was introduced to establish stricter control over EIC affairs.
UPSC Prelims MCQs on Regulating Act 1773
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Which of the following was a key provision of the Regulating Act of 1773?
a) Establishment of the Indian Civil Service
b) Creation of a Supreme Court in Calcutta
c) Introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse
d) Abolition of the dual government system in Bengal
Answer: b) Creation of a Supreme Court in Calcutta -
What was the primary reason for the British Parliament to pass the Regulating Act of 1773? a) To grant independence to India
b) To regulate and control the East India Company's administration
c) To establish a federal system in India
d) To promote free trade in India
Answer: b) To regulate and control the East India Company's administration -
Which of the following was NOT a drawback of the Regulating Act of 1773?
a) Vague provisions regarding the powers of the Governor-General
b) Establishment of a Supreme Court in Calcutta
c) Conflict between the Supreme Court and the EIC
d) Lack of representation for Indians in the administration
Answer: b) Establishment of a Supreme Court in Calcutta -
Under the Regulating Act of 1773, how many members were appointed to assist the Governor-General of Bengal?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6
Answer: b) 4 Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Regulating Act of 1773?
a) Appointment of the Governor-General of Bengal
b) Establishment of a Supreme Court at Calcutta
c) Granting legislative power to the Governor-General’s Council
d) Making the Governors of Bombay and Madras subordinate to Bengal
Answer: (c) Granting legislative power to the Governor-General’s Council-
Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773?
a) Robert Clive
b) Warren Hastings
c) Lord Cornwallis
d) Lord Wellesley
Answer: (b) Warren Hastings -
The Supreme Court at Calcutta was established under which Act?
a) Pitt’s India Act, 1784
b) Charter Act of 1833
c) Regulating Act of 1773
d) Government of India Act, 1858
Answer: (c) Regulating Act of 1773 -
Which one of the following was a major drawback of the Regulating Act, 1773?
a) It abolished the East India Company’s monopoly
b) It introduced diarchy in India
c) It did not clearly define the powers of the Supreme Court
d) It introduced responsible government in India
Answer: (c) It did not clearly define the powers of the Supreme Court -
The Regulating Act of 1773 was passed due to which of the following reasons?
a) Financial crisis of the East India Company
b) Pressure from Indian rulers
c) British desire for direct rule in India
d) Revolt of Indian sepoys
Answer: (a) Financial crisis of the East India Company
Comparative Table: Before vs. After the Regulating Act of 1773
| Aspect | Before the Act | After the Act |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Governors of presidencies ruled independently | Governor-General of Bengal became supreme |
| Judiciary | No formal judicial system | Supreme Court established in Calcutta |
| Parliamentary Control | No direct oversight by the British Parliament | Required reports on revenue and civil affairs |
| Corruption | Rampant, unchecked | Some restrictions on trade and bribery |