Governor-Generals of Bengal
Governor-Generals of Bengal
1. Governor-Generals and Their Work
1.1 Overview of the Role
- Governor-General of Bengal was the highest executive authority in British India during the early colonial period.
- The position was established in 1773 under the Regulating Act of 1773.
- The Governor-General was responsible for:
- Administering the East India Company’s territories in Bengal.
- Managing revenue, military, and diplomatic affairs.
- Representing the East India Company and implementing its policies in India.
- The office was later expanded to include the entire British Indian subcontinent.
- Note: The Governor-General represented the Company, not the British Crown, until 1858 when direct Crown rule was established.
1.2 Key Governor-Generals and Their Contributions
| Name of Governor-General | Tenure | Key Contributions | Important Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warren Hastings | 1773–1785 | Established the Diwani (revenue) system in Bengal, initiated the Permanent Settlement, and laid the foundation for British rule in India. | 1773–1785 | Often considered the first Governor-General of India. |
| Lord Cornwallis | 1786–1793 | Introduced the Cornwallis Code, reformed the revenue system, and established the Supreme Court of Bengal. | 1786–1793 | Known for administrative reforms and legal modernization. |
| Lord Wellesley | 1798–1805 | Expanded British territories through paramilitary expeditions, implemented the Subsidiary Alliance System, and promoted the Doctrine of Lapse. | 1798–1805 | Central to the expansion of British power in India. |
| Lord Hastings | 1813–1823 | Continued British expansion through aggressive policies, fought the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818), and defeated the Pindaris, consolidating British East India Company’s dominance. | 1813–1823 | Played a key role in the expansion and consolidation of British power in India through military campaigns. |
| Lord Auckland | 1834–1842 | Focused on internal administration, promoted social reforms, and supported the Anglo-Afghan War. | 1834–1842 | Known for administrative and social initiatives. |
| Lord Ellenborough | 1842–1844 | Resigned due to the Punjab unrest and the Sutlej Resolution. | 1842–1844 | His tenure was marked by political instability. |
| Lord Dalhousie | 1848–1856 | Known for the Doctrine of Lapse, Railway Policy, and Education Policy. | 1848–1856 | One of the most influential Governor-Generals in British India. |
| Lord Canning | 1856–1862 | Resigned after the Sepoy Mutiny (1857), and the Government of India Act 1858 transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown. | 1856–1862 | Last Governor-General of Bengal before the British Crown took direct control. |
1.3 Key Policies and Reforms
- Permanent Settlement (1793): Introduced by Cornwallis, it fixed land revenue in perpetuity, leading to the rise of zamindars.
- Cornwallis Code (1793): Reformed the revenue system, introduced circular and revenue settlements, and established diwani and nizamat systems.
- Subsidiary Alliance System (1801): Introduced by Wellesley, it allowed British to control Indian states without direct annexation.
- Doctrine of Lapse (1848): Implemented by Dalhousie, it allowed the British to annex states without a male heir.
- Railway Policy (1853): Encouraged railway construction to facilitate trade and military movement.
- Education Policy (1854): Promoted English education and the establishment of Presidency Colleges.
1.4 Important Dates and Terms
- Regulating Act of 1773: Established the post of Governor-General of Bengal.
- Diwani: Revenue administration system.
- Nizamat: Judicial and military administration system.
- Subsidiary Alliance: A political agreement between the British and Indian states.
- Doctrine of Lapse: A policy to annex states without a male heir.
- Sepoy Mutiny (1857): Led to the end of East India Company rule and the transfer of power to the British Crown.
1.5 Frequently Asked Questions (SSC, RRB)
-
Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal?
→ Warren Hastings (1773–1785) -
Which Governor-General introduced the Permanent Settlement?
→ Lord Cornwallis (1793) -
Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
→ Lord Dalhousie (1848) -
Which Governor-General resigned after the Sepoy Mutiny?
→ Lord Canning (1856–1862) -
What was the main purpose of the Subsidiary Alliance System?
→ To extend British influence through indirect control of Indian states. -
Which Governor-General is known for the Railway Policy?
→ Lord Dalhousie (1853) -
When was the Government of India Act 1858 passed?
→ 1858 (after the Sepoy Mutiny) -
What was the role of the Governor-General of Bengal?
→ Administered Bengal, managed revenue, and represented the British Crown in India.
1.6 Differences Between Governor-Generals
| Aspect | Warren Hastings | Lord Cornwallis | Lord Wellesley | Lord Dalhousie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Policy | Diwani system, Permanent Settlement | Cornwallis Code, Revenue Reforms | Subsidiary Alliance, Doctrine of Lapse | Doctrine of Lapse, Railway Policy |
| Expansion | Limited | Moderate | Aggressive | Aggressive |
| Legal Reforms | Initiated | Established Supreme Court | Limited | Limited |
| Social Reforms | Limited | Moderate | Limited | Moderate |
| Legacy | Foundation of British rule | Administrative reforms | Expansion of British power | Modernization and expansion |
1.7 Summary of Key Points
- The Governor-General of Bengal was the highest authority in British India.
- The position was created in 1773 under the Regulating Act.
- Key reforms include the Permanent Settlement, Cornwallis Code, Subsidiary Alliance, and Doctrine of Lapse.
- The Sepoy Mutiny (1857) led to the end of the East India Company’s rule.
- The Government of India Act 1858 transferred power to the British Crown.
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