How well do you know the impact of British rule on Indian Constitution and polit...

The Influence of British Rule on Indian Constitution and Polity

• British came to India in 1600 as traders through the East India Company.
• In 1765, the Company obtained the ‘diwani’ of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, which started its territorial power.
• In 1858, the British Crown assumed direct responsibility for the governance of India.
• A Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to create the Indian Constitution, which came into being on January 26, 1950.
• Various features of the Indian Constitution and polity have their roots in the British rule.
• The Regulating Act of 1773 recognized the political and administrative functions of the East India Company and laid the foundation of central administration in India.
• The Act designated the Governor of Bengal as the ‘Governor-General of Bengal’ and created an Executive Council of four members to assist him.
• The Amending Act of 1781 exempted the Governor-General, Council, and Company’s servants from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for their official actions.
• Pitt’s India Act of 1784 distinguished between the commercial and political functions of the Company and established a system of double government.
• The Act of 1786 gave power to the Governor-General of Bengal to override the decision of his council in special cases and made him the Commander-in-Chief.
• The Indian Constitution has been influenced by these events in British rule, which laid down the legal framework for the organization and functioning of government and administration in British India.
• The British Government was given supreme control over Company’s affairs and its administration in India through various Acts, which have greatly influenced the Indian Constitution and polity.