IGNOU HISTORY NOTES : India History From Mid 18th to Mid 19th Century - Constitutional Developments (1757-1858)

IGNOU HISTORY Study Notes for IAS, UPSC Exams

History India From Mid 18th to Mid 19th Century

Constitutional Developments (1757-1858)

Structure

23.0 Objectives
23.1 Introduction
23.2 Background
23.3 The Regulating Act, 1773
23.4 Pitts' lndia Act, 1784
23.5 Charter Act of 1793
23.6 Charter Act of 1813
23.7 Charter Act of 1833
23.8 Charter Act of 1853
23.9 Government of lndia Act. 1858
23.10 Let Us Sum Up
23.11  Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

23.0 OBJECTIVES

After reading this Unit you will :

• become ramiliar with the important constitutional devqlopnlents in the first century of Hritish rule
• trace the transition from Company's rule to rule by the Crown
• acquaint yourself with the stages in the evolution of the structure of Government, and
• bring out the link between the constitutional changes and the economic and political interests behind them.

23.1 INTRODUCTION

The English East lndia Company was essentially a commercial body. Following the
principles of mercantilism and to ensure monopolistic profit the company needed
political power hence political activities which resulted in acquiring revenue-yielding
territories. After 1757 it was in a privileged position of yielding political power over
a large section of the population of India.
The authority which controlled the Company was situated far away from lndia in
Britain. The Hritish Ciovernment faced many problems from this situation and
relationship. The Company had becomea great empire combining the role of trader
and an overlord. It was now clear that the power and sovereignty of the Indian
empire was vested in the Company. 7 hr British Government decided that it could no
longer be allowed to remain outside the ambit of the state. Even Clive and Hastings
had held that constitutional relations with the Crown might be desirable.

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