Chapter 1 : Historical Background

Introduction

The British came to India in 1608 as traders. In 1765, they got Diwani rights. In 1858, Crown rule started. India became independent in 1947 and Constitution came in 1950.

Company Rule (1773–1858)

Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step to control East India Company.

Regulating Act 1773 – Features

  • Governor of Bengal became Governor-General
  • Bombay and Madras under Bengal
  • Supreme Court in Calcutta (1774)
  • Private trade and bribe banned
  • Company under British control

Flowchart

1608 Company
⬇
1765 Diwani
⬇
1773 Act
⬇
1858 Crown
⬇
1947 Freedom
⬇
1950 Constitution

British Acts in India

🏛️ Amending Act of 1781

This Act was passed to remove defects of the Regulating Act, 1773. It is also called the Act of Settlement.

Features of Amending Act 1781

  • Governor-General and Council were free from Supreme Court jurisdiction.
  • Revenue matters were removed from Supreme Court control.
  • Supreme Court got jurisdiction over Calcutta inhabitants.
  • Hindu and Muslim laws were applied in personal matters.
  • Appeals went to Governor-General-in-Council.
  • Governor-General-in-Council could frame regulations.

🏛️ Pitt’s India Act, 1784

  • Separated commercial and political work.
  • Created Board of Control.
  • Established double government.
  • Board controlled civil and military affairs.
  • Company territories called British Possessions.
यह अधिनियम 1773 के दोषों को दूर करने के लिए बनाया गया था। इसे सेटलमेंट एक्ट भी कहा जाता है।

संशोधन अधिनियम 1781 की विशेषताएँ

  • गवर्नर जनरल सुप्रीम कोर्ट से मुक्त था।
  • राजस्व मामले कोर्ट से बाहर किए गए।
  • कलकत्ता के निवासियों पर कोर्ट का अधिकार।
  • व्यक्तिगत मामलों में धार्मिक कानून लागू।
  • अपील गवर्नर जनरल को जाती थी।
  • नियम बनाने की शक्ति।

🏛️ पिट्स इंडिया एक्ट 1784

इसने व्यापार और राजनीतिक कार्य अलग किए और द्वैध शासन बनाया।

पिट्स इंडिया एक्ट 1784 की विशेषताएँ

  • व्यापार और राजनीति अलग।
  • बोर्ड ऑफ कंट्रोल की स्थापना।
  • द्वैध शासन प्रणाली।
  • सैन्य और नागरिक नियंत्रण।
  • ब्रिटिश अधिकार क्षेत्र।

🏛️ अधिनियम 1786

लॉर्ड कॉर्नवालिस को विशेष अधिकार मिले।

अधिनियम 1786 की विशेषताएँ

  • परिषद के निर्णय बदलने की शक्ति।
  • सेनापति प्रमुख बनाया गया।

British Acts in India

🏛️ Charter Act of 1793

Extended overriding power of Governor-General.
Increased control over Bombay and Madras.
Company monopoly extended for 20 years.
Commander-in-Chief not automatic council member.
Board of Control paid from Indian revenue.

Charter Act of 1813

Ended Company trade monopoly (except tea & China).
Declared British Crown sovereignty.
Allowed Christian missionaries.
Promoted Western education.
Gave taxing powers to local governments.