The early administrative structure; From diarchy to direct control;
The Regulating Act (1773); The Pitt’s India Act (1784); The Charter Act (1833);
The voice of free trade and the changing character of British colonial rule;
The English utilitarian and India.
PYQs: Early Structure of the British Raj [1985-2026]
| Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Why did the British Crown assume direct control over the Indian Government in 1858? Mention the new administrative arrangements. | |
| 2024 | The values of utilitarianism prompted the Company administration to attempt reform of Indian society. | View answer |
| 2022 | Can you explain how, after acquiring Diwani, the government of the East India Company functioned like 'an Indian ruler'? | View answer |
| 2021 | How did the English utilitarian thinking impact India in the British era? | View answer |
| 2016 | Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war." Examine this statement with reference to Lord William Bentinck. | View answer |
| 2016 | How far is it correct to say that if Clive was the founder of the British Empire in India, Warren Hastings was its administrative organiser? | View answer |
| 2016 | The need to impose greater parliamentary control over the Company’s affairs increased during the decades (1773-1853) after Plassey”. Elucidate. | View answer |
| 2015 | Critically examine: The Regulating Act (1773), the Pitt’s India Act (1784) and eventually the Charter Act of 1833 left the East India Company as a mere shadow of its earlier political and economic power in India. | View answer |
| 2015 | James Mill, the apostle of utilitarian philosophy, proposed a revolution of Indian society through the‘weapon of law’ solely. But in actual policy framing, other influences and considerations weighed much more than the colonial State.” Elucidate. | View answer |
| 2014 | The Dual System of Government was a complete failure from the outset. In the first place, the abuse of the private trade reached a greater height than ever. In the second place, the demands of the Company for the increase led to gross oppression of the peasantry.” Examine. | View answer |
| 2011 | The Charter Act of 1833 rung down the curtain on the Company’s trade and introduced a new concept of government in India.” Substantiate. | View answer |
| 2008 | Sprung from paternalism, the English Utilitarian philosophy as introduced in India rejected its human warmth between rulers and the ruled”. Comment. | View answer |
| 2004 | ‘The object of the Act (Regulating) was good, but system that it established was imperfect.’ Comment. | View answer |
| 1999 | The British Indian State experienced the wind of change with the arrival of Lord William Bentinck. Comment. (1999 ) | View answer |
| 1993 | What kind of administrative change were introduced in India under the East India Company? | View answer |
| 1992 | Assess the impact of the utilitarian ideas in moulding the British attitude towards India. How did the utilitarian try to solve the problem of land revenue? | View answer |
| 1987 | 'The national democratic awakening of the Indian people found expression of white racism.’ Comment in about 200 words. | View answer |
| 1986 | Discuss the basic features of the judicial administration under the East India Company. Did the British introduce the modem concept of the rule of law in India? | View answer |
