Constitutional History of India: EIC Overview

This act aimed to improve the East India Company's governance in India, introducing key reforms like establishing the Supreme Court in Calcutta and giving the British government more oversight. It also had clauses that aimed to reduce corruption in the company's affairs.

The Supreme Court in Calcutta, established by the Regulating Act of 1773, was the first high court in India. It was intended to oversee justice and maintain law and order within the Company's territories.

This act, also known as the Act of Settlement, clarified the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Calcutta. It defined its role in administering personal laws, exempted high officials, and introduced a system of appeals to the Council of the Governor General instead of the Supreme Court.

This significant act established the dual government system, separating political and commercial functions of the East India Company. It gave the British government supreme control over the company.

Created by Pitt's India Act of 1784, the Board of Control was a body constituted by the British government to oversee the Company's affairs. Its primary focus was on political functions, ensuring the company operated in line with British interests.

This act extended the East India Company's commercial privileges for another two decades. It also mandated the company to pay a significant sum to the British government and separated revenue administration from judiciary functions.

The Charter Act of 1793 led to the abolition of 'Maal Adalats', which were revenue courts previously responsible for collecting taxes. The act separated judicial and administrative functions.

Lord Cornwallis was appointed as Governor-General in 1786, but he had two crucial conditions: to have overriding power over the Council's decisions and to be the Commander-in-Chief. This established him as the supreme authority in India.

Queen Victoria's title after becoming the sovereign of British territories in India.

A new office created to have complete control over Indian administration under British rule.

A 15-member advisory body assisting the Secretary of State for India.

A body corporate formed by the Secretary of State and Council of India, capable of legal actions in India and England.

Early forms of representation in Indian legislative councils, initially with limited membership and power.

Returning some legislative authority to Madras, Bombay, Bengal, NWFP, and Punjab.

They lacked control over finances, executive actions, and needed the Viceroy's approval for bill passage.

The Indian National Congress (INC) pushed for more non-official members in councils, but official majority remained.

The franchise was based on property ownership, taxes paid, and educational qualifications. This meant only a select group of Indians could vote.

Separate electorates were granted to Muslims, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo Indians, and Europeans. This meant they elected their own representatives.

Established in 1926, the Commission was responsible for recruiting civil servants. Its recommendations were based on the Lee Commission (1924).

This system introduced 'dual governance' in provinces. Reserved subjects were handled by the Governor, while Transferred subjects were managed by elected ministers responsible to the Legislative Council.

These subjects were under the direct control of the Governor and his council of bureaucrats, who were not accountable to the Legislative Council. Examples include law and order, finance, and land revenue.

These subjects were handled by ministers chosen by the Legislative Council. They included education, health, local government, and agriculture.

The Legislative Councils in provinces gained some power. They could initiate legislation but needed the Governor's approval. They could also reject budgets, but the Governor could restore them.

This commission, known as the Simon Commission, was to be appointed 10 years after the Act to review its implementation and make recommendations.

A set of reforms introduced in 1909 aimed at increasing Indian participation in government. Key features included separate electorates for Muslims, expanded representation for other groups, and expanded legislative councils.

A system where different religious groups (like Muslims) elect their own representatives to the legislative councils, rather than competing with other groups for seats.

A title often given to Lord Minto due to his introduction of separate electorates for Muslims in the Morley-Minto Reforms.

These reforms aimed to introduce a gradual system of responsible government in India, with a focus on increasing Indian self-governance. Key features include a bicameral legislature, expanded voting rights, and a limited form of provincial autonomy.

A two-house system of legislation, where a 'Council of States' (upper house) and a 'Legislative Assembly' (lower house) work together to make laws.

The upper house of the bicameral legislature introduced by the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, with a longer term and primarily elected members.

The lower house of the bicameral legislature introduced by the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, with a shorter term and mainly elected members.

A system where provinces within India were granted some level of self-governance, allowing them to manage their own affairs.

A landmark legislation that aimed to introduce a system of limited self-governance in British India, with significant changes in the structure of government and power-sharing.

The Act envisioned an all-India federation comprising provinces and princely states, with a Federal List, Concurrent List, and Provincial List defining power distribution.

The proposed federation's success was contingent on the participation of Princely states, who were not obligated to join, leading to its ultimate failure.

Power over matters not specifically listed in the Federal, Concurrent, or Provincial Lists were vested in the Viceroy.

The Act ended the dual system of governance (Dyarchy) in provinces, introducing autonomous and responsible governments where ministers were accountable to the provincial legislature.

The Act established responsible government in provinces with ministers answerable to the legislature, marking a significant step towards self-governance.

The Act expanded voting rights, extending the franchise to 14% of the population, although it retained reservations for Scheduled Castes, women, and workers.

The Act provided for the creation of crucial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Federal Court, contributing to the development of a robust administrative framework.

A decisive battle in 1757 where the British East India Company defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. This victory marked the beginning of British dominance in Bengal.

The right to collect taxes from the people of Bengal, granted to the British East India Company after the Battle of Plassey. This gave the company immense financial power and control over the region.

The administrative power of the Nawab of Bengal, including control over law and order, justice, and police. This was the territory's governance.

The first Nawab of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey, installed by the British East India Company. He paid a hefty sum to the Company for the throne.

A treaty signed after the Battle of Buxar that formalized the British East India Company's control over Bengal. It gave the Company the Diwani rights and effectively made them the rulers of the region.

The second Nawab of Bengal, after the removal of Mir Jafar. He tried to resist British control but was defeated in the Battle of Buxar.

The first British Governor of Bengal, who played a key role in establishing the Company's dominance. He was known for his military victories and shrewd political maneuvers.

The British Company's rule led to the destruction of Bengal's trade, industry, and agriculture. The economy suffered, and the people faced hardship.